Hi,
I bought a diesel a few years ago. It runs great. I really don't drive it much.
Unfortunately, I'm unemployed so not much driving.
I change the oil filter when I see it getting black.
Is there anything I should do just for Upkeep? Like a tune-up or something?
I want to keep it in great shape..
Thanks

i heard you should put sta-bil fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank if you're storing the car for long periods of time without driving it, but i don't know if they make a formula for diesel cars

The oil/filter on these cars turns black after about 2-3 miles of driving. That is just how they are and it is normal.

Just do an oil change every 3,000 miles on non-synthetic, or every 4-5,000 miles on synthetic good diesel rated oil and with a quality Europe-made or USA-made filter, none of the cheap India/Taiwan filters, they are terrible. Order your filters online.

Aside from that, brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years or so....transmission fluid and filter every 20,000 miles or so.

Valves should be adjusted on that engine every 15-20,000 miles.

Fuel filters every couple years.....

Lubricate the throttle joints/mechanism on the engine

Aside from that, not much else in general maintenance....most of that is pretty common for any car except the valve adjustments.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Not necessary on a diesel. If the tank is full (optimal) and no moisture gets in, diesel can sit practically forever and not go bad. It does not need a stabilizer like gas.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

ha, good to know. didn't know diesel was that hardy.

Take your fuses out one at a time and clean the ends off of the white powder. Keep your fingers crossed. Check forum before U mess with stuff.

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1982 300SD

Also, if your car is sitting outside, check all the drains on the body to make sure that it is not sitting around holding water for days after a rain. The ones located back by the hood hinges like to get all plugged up with rotting leaves that hold the water in there and make for a perfect rust forming environment.

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman

Take a good look at your Oil Cooler Hoses to see of they are seeping Oil.

You did not give the Mileage on your Car; knowing the mileage would help answer the question.

Boy, you have been a member for a long time.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I feel your pain, to quote a famous politician. I'm also out of work.
Much good advice, when you do drive it, do an Italian tune up, that's about all you need.
It wouldn't surprise me to find if after you put in new oil and without even starting it, drain it, it'll be black.
Exercise it, it'll last for many, many years.
The fuel issues come about at the interface of fuel and atmosphere, temperature changes will cause condensation to form on the inside of the system, so the full tank advice is accurate for that, less area for the fungus to grow. Fuel oil (diesel) won't turn to varnish like gasoline will.

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83 SD

84 CD