300D Challenge (Parts List)
 

300D Challenge

Car: Abandoned/Non-running 1978 300D (160,000)
Goal: 1000 mile round trip.
When: August 2nd

This is a challenge I've set. Drawing inspiration from the Apollo missions, organizing and making a long successful trip and getting back home without trouble.

I ask your advice so I don't end up limping home like Apollo 13 :cool:. Or worse!

My first Mercedes. I found the car last year, didn't run. Towed it home.
It started with upgraded plugs, found it was overheated and the head was badly cracked. 78 300D Full Photos - Imgur

The best way to organize this is to break it into two lists:


Please, feel free to add to/edit this speadsheet.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Asgulv5ic3sUdDV6a0kxb2gtaGpXRzlXS0dLeHpKQ1E#gid=0

What I will be completing:

• New cylinder head, all gaskets
• Water pump
• Engine Mounts
• Oil change (again)
• Transmission fluid change
• Belts
• Thermostat
• Cooling system flush
• Lube/check sticky throttle linkages
• Throttle return spring (tends to not return and stay to floor, exciting!) :D
• Cleaned Injectors
• All brake components replaced (minus booster)
• Headlights
• Starter
• Ball Joints
• Flex disc
• Primer Pump
• Tires+Spare

Anything vital I'm missing to do?


What I will be taking:

• 1 gallon Rotella T6
• 3 gallons water
• 1 Quart ATF
• Tube of grease
• Primary and Secondary fuel filters
• 80A glow plug bar fuse
• Few extra fuses
• 4 feet fuel/return fuel lines
• Toolbox with all the fixin's
• Rags
• Gorilla Tape
• Hose clamps

Anything else obvious that is should/must have?

Why replace the starter?

I'm trying to eliminate anything that could possibly leave us stranded. Starters are really hard to replace once everything is put back together, plus the security of knowing its less likely to fail.

have you considered?
 

A diesel pickup truck and a car hauler? I'm just saying.

Did you get a new engine for it?

Just my two cents, I would not just replace the head.....the car has been sitting.....it overheated enough to warp and crack the head.....who knows if it ever ran out of oil.....no way in hell I would just slap a new head on it and start a thousand mile trip.....

What people don't understand, if you put a new rebuilt head on the car....you will raise the compression.....if any of the main bearings are worn....the increase in compression will start making the rod knock......ask me how I know....also some little voice in the back of my head....is telling me I heard that not all 300d heads are interchangeable.....

Also add onto the list a new acc servo......when I cracks....you'll lose coolant....over heat again and kill the engine...also don't flush the cooling system! And buy a new radiator....

Still picking up a used engine in two weeks.

I'm well aware a stronger head would then put higher stresses on lower end, and I'm willing to run the engine like that for a while. I will also do shorter trips/hill climbs around the area before I try and go on an adventure.

The AC is gone, and the climate control servo had been completely bypassed for the heater.

I know you said you are prepared to shell out a couple thousand on this car....

But in my eye, this seems like a total waste of money and time......I would rather get the newer engine, clean it all.....replace items mentioned and then not have to worry about the engine......then to band aid this engine....then r&r it all again in 2 weeks...

My buddy lives in Altoona... you could hitch a ride with him down here one weekend, and drive back in an SD or D... I'm just sayn...

No one should ever leave home in a '78 D without a

Tow Rope!

Get one and not worry about the starter. Unless it is really bad and failing.
These cars can be tow started

Ahhh a tow rope! Thank you!