What to do to a new to me 300td? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Luked23 · #1 10-06-2007, 04:43 PM

I just bought a 1980 300td. It runs ok, a bit squeeky, but ok. I got it for $900, it has 213,000 miles on it, so i feel like I got a good deal.

The question is, What should I do to it right off the bat. Belts? Filters? Oil type to put in it? or anything that you all can think of.

I know there is alot of wisdom on this site, and this is my first post. Thanks for all the help to come. Any advise is welcomed.

Cheers!

blindwolf · #2 10-06-2007, 05:31 PM

When you say runs ok, that leaves alot out for imagination. First thing you need to do after checking your fluid levels and aircleaner, is to drive it. Take notes as to what it is doing; like smoking under load, shifting gears with out being too mushy, how hot does it run at idle and under load, etc. Then get back with your observations and I am sure someone can translate them for you. LOL

Luked23 · #3 10-06-2007, 05:44 PM

Thanks, Sorry I wasnt to clear.

Mainly I was just wondering if there is anything I should to "NO MATTER What" , If there is anything that should be done to a car this old whether it runs great, or terribly.

I will defenently to that though once I get tags on it. Thanks again.

kerry · #4 10-06-2007, 07:13 PM

The one maintenance item you'll have on the wagon which isn't on most sedans is the SLS (hydropneumatic suspension). Make sure it has adequate and proper fluid.

dennislarock · #5 10-09-2007, 10:53 AM

Do you have the owners manual for the car?
If not, get the Haynes Mercedes-Benz DIESEL 123 Series 1976-1985
(check eBay)

Do this now... Change the oil and oil filter
Do this now... Change the Air Filter

Check the transmission fluid level... if necessary, top off
Check the brake fluid level... if necessary, top off
Check the Self-Leveling-System (SLS) fluid level... if necessary, top off
(checkout Fastlane for parts and fluids on this site)
Check the power steering fluid level... if necessary, top off

Be aware that there are two fuel filters... a primary and a secondary
(there is also a tank screen in the fuel tank)

Follow blindwolf's advice

Regards,

dennis

vstech · #6 10-09-2007, 11:37 AM

luked, follow up here after your brakes are up to snuff.
test your glow plugs, www.dieselgiant.com has a glow plug repair section with great instructions. actually, his site is great for the beginner with this car.
unless you KNOW when the last time service was done, you need to adjust your valve lash.
check your front end suspension wear. make sure you have a complete road side tool kit, inflated spare tire, and tire tools to change a flat.
look the car over for cracked door and window seals, sunroof seals, etc look for evidence of water in the car/wheel well areas. the gas tank filler seal tends to crack and let water in areas. look over the drain areas in the bottoms of the doors and rear hatch area. clean out the gunk from the battery area and the trunk hinge area. also the gunk in the chrome by the rear hatch... a pressure washer is invaluable here.
more hints to come I am sure.

ChrisC · #7 10-09-2007, 02:06 PM

After one year of owning an '85 300CD, I can say you should plan on spending LOTS of time lurking and searching on this site... I simply could not own mine without it--period.

In addition to the aforementioned advice, think about all of the mission-critical rubber parts on the car. Like mine, yours are probably old, dried-out and cracked. So think about replacing belts (metric), coolant hoses, oil cooler lines, fuel lines, flex discs, axle boots, etc.

Also, buy quality OEM parts, not cheap parts-store knock-offs like many PO's have done. Good luck!

Chris

toomany MBZ · #8 10-09-2007, 05:39 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of MB diesels! You may want to do a search on what oil, make sure you some time. I agree with ChrisC about the quality issue. A Haynes manual, or equivalent is very helpful.

Chad300tdt · #9 10-09-2007, 06:06 PM

I would recommend buying the "Model 123 Service Manual Library" CD from MBUSA.com. It's only $20 and it fills in where the Haynes manual doesn't. Here's a link:
http://www.classictechlit.mbusa.com/MB/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=Retail&category%5Fname=1009%28ClassicTechLit%29&product%5Fid=QL%2D6516%2D5610%2D02%28ClassicTechLit%29

Between the CD and the help on this forum you should be able to handle just about anything.

bob_98sr5 · #10 10-11-2007, 04:37 PM

chad,

does that W123 manual only cover W123s?

bob

spugeddy · #11 10-11-2007, 04:49 PM

No one has said it but $900 and it runs.. that is a pretty good deal.

I did the same as advised here, posted individually, my particular issues, and this forum and its members helped out tremendously.

I would change the oil and filter (buy the Austrian or German brand filters and do a search on this site for oil recommendations, both fuel filters (look at doing a diesel purge while you have the fuel hoses loose) , transmission fluid and filter, and air filter (unless you have records) Those are all easy jobs.... I also changed my power steering filter and fluid also easy. And the coolant was changed along with t-stat and hoses when i broke the radiator nipple. Check the hoses, and consider that. You are not looking at a whole lot of cost believe it or not but you would be starting fresh, and it could possibly help you diagnose the other squeeks or at least tell us about them.....

I believe I did all that above minus the cost of the new radiator for around $150.

Chad300tdt · #12 10-11-2007, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob_98sr5

chad,

does that W123 manual only cover W123s?

bob

Yes. It covers 230, 280E, 280CE, 240D, 300D, 300CD, 300TD, 300D Turbo, 300CD Turbo, 300TD Turbo. I've heard others having difficulty finding the w126 CD. I don't know about the others. Go to the link from the earlier post and select your chassis number and the literature available will come up.