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#1
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Major Road Trip For The 240D
My wife and I are planning a trip out west and we decided to take the 82 240D. I have driven as far west as San Antonio and Oklahoma City but I was wondering what the road is like past these two points. We plan to drive I-40 from South Carolina to Las Vegas. Would love info from some experienced road warriors. Thanks!
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#2
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Quote:
In OK and TX, mostly flat with some greenery. Once you get west of there, it starts getting mostly hotter and dryer; at least in the southern states I've been through. I've never been over the western mountains so someone else will have to steer you from there. Best have some emergency gear such as extra water, possibly extra diesel, belts, oil/brake/tranny fluids, toolsets, CB/Cell, compass, signaling devices, air pump, tire patches, etc... This is just good sense with any car. Take care of the car and it takes care of you. Oh, and AAA. Don't forget pictures! Best of luck!
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Codifex 1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.) 1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof. 1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins) |
#3
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Roads in New Mexico are pretty decent, Alberquerque is in a constant state of road construction! The last time I was in AZ (two years ago) the roads were as smooth as glass. However the speed limit in both those states is 75 MPH. If your going to Las Vegas, be sure to stop at the Grand Canyon, and also the Hoover Dam and new Bridge over the gorge. The are both a sight to behold!!
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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers) 2005 Corvette 55K (fun car) 2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine) 1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids) 1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler) 1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter) |
#4
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Way out west?
I understand that they are finally going to pave the roads out west...
Seriously, google Route 66 and then visit some of the sights along it. As you are driving out west some of the freeways parallel the old Route 66. With time and patience I don't see any reason why your 240D won't make the trip. You might need ear plugs because it might be a tad noisy in the car with your foot mashed all the way to the floor. But, hey, that's part of the 240D experience!
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Pete Williams, President emeritus - MBCA-International Stars (Eastern Mich.) Now Wi. & Az. 1985 300D Manual 4 speed Green Hen's tooth 1979 MGB triple black Az car nice 1969 back 1/2 of MGB (Az home built trailer) 1991 Volvo 245 Wagon Nice AZ Restored Gold Brick 1983 Jeep CJ7 37,600 Miles Summer use only |
#5
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CAUTION!!!!!!
Plan your route carefully!
You don't want to wake up one morning uttering the words of a certain famous traveller..."I knew I should have taken a left in Alburquerque"
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1981 300TD "The Green Lantern" 1980 300TD 1983 300D Euro "China Cat" |
#6
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Quote:
even though 40 is pretty far south, there are some loooooonng grades though the mountains that keep you puttering along in 3rd. My 81 240 was game, but its still an old, underpowered car, and west is where the real mountains are. The roads are fine, and the drive is incredible
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This post brought to you by Carl's Jr. |
#7
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Don't overload your car for a drive of that length, or you'll be replacing the rear axles from a torn boot. Not speaking from experience here...
I drove from SoCal to New England a few years ago in an '84 300D. I fully endorse the southern route- check out Flagstaff, Albequerque, and if you've got the time, the area around Big Bend, Texas is incredible. I've done the northern route a lot, but I don't know if I'd want to do it in a 240D.
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I-------------------------------------1981 300TD, Thistle Green, 140K------------------------------------I
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#8
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As long as your belts, hoses, tires, and filters are in good condition, take your 240 and have a nice time.
these 240`s are not some fragile antique that is going to be a constant problem of break downs. We just drove from Santa Cruz,Ca to Portland Or., 740 miles, climbed some pretty steep grades and were loaded down. we were cruising 65 - 70 mph and had no problems. also we are at 335K miles and have no problem taking it any where. also I don`t have the peddle mashed to the floor, but on some steeper grades you will be in 3rd gear for a ways. not a big deal. Iam using a 3:58 diff instead of the 3:69, and that helps some on the economy, along with airing the tires to what ever the side wall mentions. Since we got the 240, the 300D sits in the yard most of the time. Charlie
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works |
#9
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Rt 40= boring..... flat and brown. We did from Virginia to LA a few years ago in the camper took 40 west to 10 to la for a family wedding. Then made our way up to the hoover dam and grand canyon, eventually ending up on 70 to come home. The grades are not that bad, except for Colarodo, and also crossing the last of the mountains dropping into Palm springs, in CA.
You should have fun, it is a nice trip. The only thing I would suggest is a small can of extra fuel, the fuel stops can get few and far between.
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1977 240D turbo |
#10
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Get off the interstate whenever you can. Change your injector return lines before you go. (they leaked twice on my SD) Have good belts and pack a couple sets of fuel filters. Make sure cooling system is in good shape.
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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do. |
#11
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Thanks!
We haven't set an actual date to start on our "adventure". We may wait until September to make the trip. I have a business trip to Orlando in July and a full schedule for May and June so it may very well be August or September. We MIGHT try to squeeze a trip in before then but it will be difficult.
The old gal runs cool. The AC blows cold and I just have replaced all the belts and hoses but I plan to carry spares. I hope to have new injectors in the engine before the trip. She gets great fuel mileage now (@30mpg mixed driving) but I am not so sure the injectors are at their best. She can idle a little "lumpy" when she's hot. Not terribly but enough to notice the rocking motion. Thanks for your input. Keep it coming! |
#12
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If it has not been mentioned some Members have had incidents of contaminated Fuel stopping the dead along the Road.
Adding a water Separator with and easy to change Filter would decrease you chances of being stopped. I carry 2 about 1 foot square 1/4" Plywood Boards nailed and glued together so that I have something to put the Jack on if I have to pull over into the dirt and change a Tire.
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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel |
#13
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Nobody caught the Bugs Bunny reference? Where's your sense of humor?
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1981 300TD "The Green Lantern" 1980 300TD 1983 300D Euro "China Cat" |
#14
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Been watching too many cartoons with your Grand Kids?
Bugs Bunny - I know I should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque. - YouTube Charlie
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works |
#15
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I have heard, but do not agree, that I-40 is the most boringest route. Starts in nowhere & ends nowhere.(Wilmington - Barstow) With absolutely nothing in between. Mostly this is a truckers view of this interstate.
You can make anything fun - interesting, if you wish. I think it is a very driving safe route. Enjoy and Have Fun!! (Take Pics)
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Gary Experience is something you get, Just after you needed it.... '99 E300 295K, '83 300D 220K, '75 240D 185K sold '80 MCI Bus Conv DD 6V92TA, w/4 cyl. Kubota diesel GenSet 12.5KW |
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