it looks like I am jumping into a TD soon - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #1 09-20-2006, 09:18 AM

I found a nicely described TD 78, non turbo... engine problems, minor rust no a/c supprise, and rear saggs. I am going to inspect it myself this weekend. and make a decision. I really want to get the little woman in a MB wagon. but I don't want to have to replace the engine. THe owner says it is really hard to start. he has put new GP's in and had the valves adjusted. he claims 90 on the highway, but I don't know if that was a long hill drop top speed. If it won't start he will cut the price in half, so I am considering it even if I have to tow it home. this will bring me up to 4 MB's two drivers and two parters. I am going to REALLY inspect it for rust. it is from up north, so I am very sceptical.
John

kerry · #2 09-20-2006, 10:29 AM

I haven't heard of a 78 wagon before, I thought 79 or 80 was the first year.

JimmyL · #3 09-20-2006, 10:38 AM

Kerry would be correct.....
Did the person say "wagon", or just "TD". Sounds like they mean wagon if they mentioned rear end sag, but "TD" is often mistaken for Turbo Diesel from the average Joe.....

BTW, that is a lot of stuff to fix it sounds like......

Biodiesel300TD · #4 09-20-2006, 10:45 AM

The non turbo wagon was made from 79-81, and the turbo wagon was made from 81-85. The turbo wasn't put into the coupes and sedans untill 82.

-- Tough to keep straight.

This site has all the info.
http://home.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html

vstech, sounds like you have things undercotrol as far as knowing what to look for. Let us know how it unravels.

vstech · #5 09-20-2006, 12:46 PM

it is a wagon, I really hope I can get the car. I want to thouroughly inspect it. if the frame and underbody is rust free, I will consider the car. I have an 83 turbo 617 in my SD parts car, so I may do a transplant... I hope it is nice enough to convince the little woman to drive it.
she is drivng large astro van gas guzzler at the moment, and I am going through 100.00 a week in gas.

it has a hard time starting, GP and Valves have been serviced, what do you guys think is the problem wtih the car? I bet either valves are damaged, or the cyllinders have massive blowby. I figure if it runs well, but won't start, it is a compression problem. agreed?
probably only 200 or so cold.
we shall see.
I will bring my Compression tester and tons of tools. also do the blowby test.
what else should I be looking at before deciding on this car?
Thanks.
John

JimmyL · #6 09-20-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I have an 83 turbo 617 in my SD parts car, so I may do a transplant... John

Remember, the wagons have a different cylinder head which accepts the hydraulic pump for the SLS rear suspension. You do NOT want a wagon without a working SLS. Promise!
Take a camera with you too......
Also check operation of glow plug relay. Don't "fix" anything in front of the seller, though, just "duly note it" to yourself.

What is the price range on this perspective wagon?

BTW, I have a '67 Camaro also. Never ever drive it....

vstech · #7 09-20-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Remember, the wagons have a different cylinder head which accepts the hydraulic pump for the SLS rear suspension. You do NOT want a wagon without a working SLS. Promise!

I was under the impression it would be difficult, but not impossible to repair... how many $ average would it take to fix?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Take a camera with you too......
Also check operation of glow plug relay. Don't "fix" anything in front of the seller, though, just "duly note it" to yourself.

If I am going to get this car, I will need to get it this weekend. What should I specifically look for to rule out buying this wagon?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

What is the price range on this perspective wagon?

$500.00 to $1000.00

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

BTW, I have a '67 Camaro also. Never ever drive it....

Why? is yours too pristine? or is it like mine, not really in running condition? I have the RS version, I love the hidden headlights. back half is in Horrible condidion. I have a 69 Firebird back half, I plan on hacking to get my RS perfect... the 69 FB is completely rust free and original, so I hate to hack it...
John

mobetta · #8 09-20-2006, 02:01 PM

it all depends on what needs fixed- the pump is about $1200, the accumulators- a maintenence item, are $80-$140 each, the struts are $375 each, the valve can be rebuilt for under $100, the lines are cheap, the hoses and fittings are hard to find. the fluid is $12/lt, it goes on and on.
i have heard success and horror stories of replacing the sls with air shocks, etc.
as i use mine as a work truck(trim carpenter), i could never get by without it.

good luck....

vstech · #9 09-20-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobetta

it all depends on what needs fixed- the pump is about $1200, the accumulators- a maintenence item, are $80-$140 each, the struts are $375 each, the valve can be rebuilt for under $100, the lines are cheap, the hoses and fittings are hard to find. the fluid is $12/lt, it goes on and on.
i have heard success and horror stories of replacing the sls with air shocks, etc.
as i use mine as a work truck(trim carpenter), i could never get by without it.

good luck....

Whiew! what method of determining pump replacement is required? if the srs is not working, where should I begin for finding out what is wrong? this sounds like it is going to take more than a visual inspection to figure out what is wrong.
Keep the help coming.
John

JimmyL · #10 09-20-2006, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I was under the impression it would be difficult, but not impossible to repair... how many $ average would it take to fix?

About the only things you buy new for the SLS would be the accumulators, and I've had to replace them on both wagons I've owned. They actually do the "shock absorbing". I had a pump fail (leaking gasket) and got a used one for $50 bucks. Struts usually only fail by leaking, and can be found used also. Since they seldom fail, used ones are usually trustworthy. Rear valve can be repaired with kit, or purchased used also. Hydraulic lines can be repaired by local hyd. shop. Been there, done that. Don't fear the SLS, and don't have a wagon without it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

If I am going to get this car, I will need to get it this weekend. What should I specifically look for to rule out buying this wagon?

rust and very low compression. Also, front end work can add up pretty quick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

$500.00 to $1000.00

$1000 is cheap. $500 is real cheap. Interior passable? Remember, it's for the wife.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

Why? is yours too pristine? or is it like mine, not really in running condition? I have the RS version, I love the hidden headlights. back half is in Horrible condidion. I have a 69 Firebird back half, I plan on hacking to get my RS perfect... the 69 FB is completely rust free and original, so I hate to hack it...
John

It is pretty much cherry. I keep it covered with blankets and car cover (cat protection), and it is just a hassle to get it out of the garage. You tend to be fearfull of leaving it out anywhere, also. Runs like a top, though....

vstech · #11 09-20-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

It is pretty much cherry. I keep it covered with blankets and car cover (cat protection), and it is just a hassle to get it out of the garage. You tend to be fearfull of leaving it out anywhere, also. Runs like a top, though....

WOW that is georgous! what colors are those? is that silver? or Dark green? Why did chevy take out the rocker chrome? 67 is the ONLY camaro to own. mine has a 327 in it still, I have a fresh rebuild on a 68 4 bolt 350 with 492 heads. I can't wait to drop her in. I am looking for a m22, or the money to put in a 6 speed... I love my shorty. (for those who care, the 67 is the shortest of the first gen camaros)
John

winmutt · #12 09-20-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I found a nicely described TD 78, non turbo... engine problems, minor rust no a/c supprise, and rear saggs. I am going to inspect it myself this weekend. and make a decision. I really want to get the little woman in a MB wagon. but I don't want to have to replace the engine. THe owner says it is really hard to start. he has put new GP's in and had the valves adjusted. he claims 90 on the highway, but I don't know if that was a long hill drop top speed. If it won't start he will cut the price in half, so I am considering it even if I have to tow it home. this will bring me up to 4 MB's two drivers and two parters. I am going to REALLY inspect it for rust. it is from up north, so I am very sceptical.
John

Was this the one listed in bham?

vstech · #13 09-26-2006, 12:00 PM

it was in Durham, I found it in the craigslist stickey, and it was still available.
I checked it out, and it looked pretty clean. the interior was nice. it has dash cracks and the front seat backs that hold up the cargo nets, are pretty trashed. The back seat is missing the pass, shoulder seatbelt, and the center belt is also gone... that's gotta be replaced before tlw starts driving it! Are the 78 300D belts going to be the same?
very minor rust around the trim pieces. no rust on the frame or underbody. the clear is gone on most of the panels, just the hood and drivers fender still has clear on it. the Manual sunroof works smoothly, I may clean out the rails and re apply MB Sunroof grease. there is a small pushed out spot on the front passengers fender where the paint is crinkled.
the "battery was dead" when I got there, so I didn't do a compression test. I got it real cheap, so I am not complaining about not getting it started. The alt is upgraded to a bocsh 80A! and it looks new. I will put a new battery in it soon and test all the glows out.it still has loop style installed, so if I keep this motor, I will need adapters and a new relay and wires. I can probably pull the harness off the parts car...anyway, I am pleased with the car. and tlw likes it and the PO's were very nice.
I may be soon a total Diesel driver family!
Pics to follow.
John