Hello everybody...
First time poster, potential owner... be gental.

I will find out more as I dig into this possible money pit. But here it is:

My boss owns a 1982 mercedes turbo diesel ( I hope ) that he probably wants to sell. (because he cannnot get it running)
His wife while driving overheated the engine.
How? not sure
oil was low, but he can't remember how low.
car does not want to start. he said he checked the plugs and they were ok, and was getting fuel.
will turn over.
compression hasn't been checked, but will be the first thing I do (I guess).
not sure mileage.

other than being fairly even what should the compression be roughly?
is there anything else I should do before I attempt the purchase.
or even better does anybody have the magic answer to why it is not starting...

Also I haven't seen the car yet, but I will be soon.

Kevin

thank you

usually when they dont start it is glow plugs. often if glows are bad it will start with a pull. check owners manual for proceedure. also there is a large fuse strip in the glow plug timer that can go bad. the gpt is a black plastic covered box mounted on the inner fender on an angle on the drivers side in front. about the size of two cigarette packs together. with wires going to the glow plugs (little spark plug looking things on the side of the head).

also check fuel filters.

overheating is not good. depending on how much she did it could even have cracked head. or if not too bad it could be ok.

cold compression should be at least 225 psi. cylinders should be within 10% of each other.

could be anything from a car with a very simple problem to one with a heavily damaged engine.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.