Need some quick advice on buying this.
1983 300DT sedan, 320k
Will not start but ran till parked 2 weeks ago.
Much recent work, glow plugs, injectors cleaned, fluids, brakes, etc.
Some small rust but jack points and rockers solid, no dash cracks.
Interior worn but seats solid but w/ rips, etc.
Owner suspects a fuel filter/pump issue preventing starting. I have seen the car but w/o the owner so no thorough investigations. Owner claims that if it could be started she would not hesitate to drive 400 miles in it. Sounds like a line but owner sounded convincing.
All maintenance records for 20 years, owned buy NY cop who was lost in 9/11. Stored for a couple of years. All maintenance up to date. $500
Should I grab it?

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

Where else could you get all those parts if it was too bad to renovate for that little dosh??--500 Dollars, Thats only 230 GBP!-Absolute Bargain

GRAB IT QUICK before someone else does!

If I had the chance of a similar in my area and had the cash there, I would

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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

It could be worth that in parts. However, the fact that glow plugs and injectors were recently worked on suggests there have been some recent problems. A compression check might be in order.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Good point. How do I do that w/o equipment (pressure guage) and w/o starting it?
Time is limited...

The engine has 320K on it and is at the point of rebuild anyway. So the longevity of it is moot as far as I'm concerned. If I can get it to run and there are no major issues like cracked head or block, I can deal with bad rings or whatever. How do I check for bad head gasket, cracked head, or other issue if compression check is not possible and engine won't start.

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

You don't need to start it for a compression test but you do need a gauge and the starter to turn it over. Harbor Freight sells one for $25.
But if you don't really care about the condition of the engine, go for it. It's probably cheaper to replace the whole engine with a used one than rebuild a worn out engine anyway.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The big question is space. Do you have a place to park it? Is there someone who will kill you if you bring home another car?

If I were you and had a place to park it I would grab it for $500. Sounds like it is worth that in spare parts.

-Jim

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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

Well, I went ahead and grabbed this one. Could grow on me or make a decent re-sell, or parts car. Next question. Could someone give me a trouble shooting for dummies on diagnosing the won't start problem? It turns over fine, just no fire, like its starved for fuel. I will start with dis-connecting the fuel line from the fuel pump to the IP and putting it in a can of fresh fuel.
Dan

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

Start with priming the fuel system. I had this problem when I had plugged the fuel filters, will take some time and patience to bleed all the air out of the system. I loosened the banjo bolt to the metal fuel filter and the injector line, then with an additional battery cranked her over for quite some time until I eventually go fuel flow. I'm not an expert but this is what my indy said I should try.

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85 300CD The FryrBird MY daily driver

Thanks Chef,
I'll put that on the list...give it a try
Dan

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K

Yes, definately prime the fuel system. I recently went throught this as well. Ended up cranking it for > a minute before I realized my problem..

But it might still turn out to be a parts car after all that. Just be ready to live with that (and the criticism of any S.O.s, landlords, neighbors, etc...)

Maybe buy a VIN report too..

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Obiwanrazzy
1985 300D 267k and hemorrhaging...

I wouldn't even bother trying to start it until after the valves are adjusted

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Closing the store
Benzbonz.biz on your smart phone or tablet.

Make sure its turning over (do this by hand) without catching. Drop the oil and look for metal. Then start messing around with the rest of it.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42