New member saying hello - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rob300D · #1 03-07-2007, 04:58 PM

Hello All,

Greetings from Southern NJ - I've been lurking on the board here for a while getting myself informed a bit more on my new purchase and thought it was time to say hello. I'm the proud new owner of a one-owner 1987 300d Turbo with 78k original miles. I recently took a new job that will require a long commute so I spent some time searching for a car to supplement my Audi A4 that would be good on gas, could eat up miles with regular maintenance and would be enjoyable to drive. I settled on a W123 diesel Mercedes, but when I found this car it was so clean and in such nice shape I bought it instead. It came with the full service history all stamped by the dealership right up to 75k miles and at present, everything works as it should except for the door check and LED outside temp guage. I've ordered a new door check but the LED looks like its more trouble than its worth to fix, so I'll leave it be.

As I've learned more about the weak spots on the W124, I checked for the trap oxidizer, which the history shows as having been removed at 50k. The vacuum pump is the original however, and I've read that its failure can cause some horrific problems. What's the consenus as to the removal of an otherwise fine vaccuum pump? Over the next few weeks I intend to replace all of the fluids, filters and fuel lines as a matter of course. I'll be sure to double & triple check the cooling system due to the head issues with this model (sadly learned post-purchase). Anything else I should keep an eye out for?

Its always great to have a resource such as this available. I've restored several Alfa Romeo's over the past few years and I'm curently bringing a '73 Mustang convertible back from the dead. That said a MB diesel is all new to me so I may be asking lots of questions as I get further into it.

Thanks!

biobenz240d · #2 03-07-2007, 05:04 PM

Welcome aboard, we're all here to help.

rrgrassi · #3 03-07-2007, 05:15 PM

Great find!

Also, add the car info to your signature so that you will not have to type it in every time you have a question.

captainmonk · #4 03-07-2007, 05:33 PM

welcome aboard
southern nj designation always confuses me but up around point pleasant beach is Mikes Imports 732-295-5800 great guy to have work on the car or just pick his brain for a few

JimmyL · #5 03-07-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob300D

Hello All,
The vacuum pump is the original however, and I've read that its failure can cause some horrific problems. What's the consenus as to the removal of an otherwise fine vaccuum pump?

Thanks!

Welcome to the site. Good to have you. Sounds like you are starting this "thing" out with a very nice car. You will enjoy it.
The consensus on the vacuum pump is replace it. NOW! One second it is good, the next your engine is a boat anchor. No middle ground. Not hard to do, and you may can find a good used one here or on ebay.
I'll let the 603 experts chime in for the final authority.....
Again, welcome!

bustedbenz · #6 03-07-2007, 06:45 PM

I'm relatively new as well... and I'd love to see a clarification of this vacuum pump issue b/c I haven't read about it yet.... is it that bad?

Moorewr · #7 03-07-2007, 06:54 PM

Hope you enjoy this site as much as I have. I had an 87 300D, drove it until it had 302K, only replaced glow plugs (back one a bear), an alternator, and brake pads. The trap was a problem, but was under warranty as long as I owned it, dealer replaced it with a new turbo at 156K. Great car.
Ron Moore
77 300D (W123) 235K
04 E500 (W211) 50K

Rob300D · #8 03-08-2007, 12:34 AM

Thank you for the warm welcome guys! I live in Mullica Hill - about 20 miles southeast of Philly. I'm about a half mile from Specialty Motors, which I'm told is a respected Mercedes shop. Truth be told, I'm hoping to never meet them. I got the car expecting to be able to handle any repairs, so hopefully nothing too serious happens.

Thanks again!

greasybenz · #9 03-08-2007, 01:31 AM

welcome! fine car you have there!

I just installed my new vacuum pump. Here is the thread on replacing it.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=106614&highlight=603

greasybenz · #10 03-08-2007, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

I'm relatively new as well... and I'd love to see a clarification of this vacuum pump issue b/c I haven't read about it yet.... is it that bad?

Here is a comparison of the old and new.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=734408&postcount=4

You can see on the old one that the ball bearings are exposed and when the pump fails a ball can be released right into the timing chain, oil pump chain, or other engine life threating parts that will seize the engine.