fixing before selling - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pdxman · #1 08-01-2003, 07:47 PM

Okay, I've searched the archives with no definitive answers to getting my car in shape before selling. So, I'll post and see what info the group can provide.

The car

1979 240 with 232K
gets 26 mpg
automatic transmission

The problems:

Last winter, car would not fire when temp got near freezing. GP's checked out, starter was tested and good, replaced battery. Still did the same.

If I don't let car idle for several minutes after starting, it will barely lug up the slope leaving my driveway. Sometimes still does this even after warming up. Tranny is in good shape and shifts well on the road.

Car has begun nailing after startup and subsides when nearing operating temp.

Today, after being out of town for a week when I started the car at the airport parking lot it died several times after putting it into drive. Once I got it started and revved her out a bit it ran fine.

I know diesels smoke, but i think this one smokes more than others. parked at stop lights, i typically see vehicles next to me roll up their windows.

Car is a great highway runner. No motor issues when up to speed.

Car shakes at idle even though I've replaced the motor mounts.

Car does use 1 plus qts oil between changes.

The following has been done:

recent valve adjustment
regular oil changes
all filters replaced
fuel tank drained and strainer cleaned
injectors tested good spray pattern
fuel lines replaced
tranny fluid changed
etc...

I think a lot of the issues are related. It is a good car and would like to clean up these issues before sellling it My suspicions are possible low compression in a cyclinder(s)? Vacuum issue? Glow plug issue? Injection pump issue?

It would more financially feasible to start with the most obvious and thats where your opinions are important. any ideas?

p.s. The good news is that the car has already been replaced with a near pristine '84 300d turbo which I'll post info soon on.

Thanks all

#2 08-01-2003, 08:16 PM

Check chain stretch? 1 quart of oil per change is not at all excessive or indicitive of a tired engine. With all other items checked, this seems to be the only unanswered area, and if it's far enough out, can effect valve and/or IP timing.

pdxman · #3 08-01-2003, 08:41 PM

I didn't mention that in my post and I should have...but leads me to another question...when I had the valves adjusted by MB dealer recently, I guess I assumed this was part of that when the valve cover was off. I was in a hurry when I left there and forgot to ask about the chain. would they have checked this as part of doing a valve adjustment?

84300DT · #4 08-01-2003, 08:46 PM

just a question, how much do you use the car? i find if mine sits unused for a while it doesn't like it. do you run it on the highway at all for some decent miles? or just around town stop n go?

engatwork · #5 08-01-2003, 09:07 PM

Quote:

i find if mine sits unused for a while it doesn't like it

I see the same thing. It is almost like you have hurt their feelings

.

pdxman · #6 08-01-2003, 09:22 PM

It's my regular 'commuter' car Mon-Fri...about 250 miles a week.

engatwork · #7 08-01-2003, 09:39 PM

You will like that 300D

.

BoostnBenz · #8 08-01-2003, 10:35 PM

Ever check the compression?

It depends completely on how expensive the problem is, if there is much rust I'd just sell it as is. I haven't ever really seen an expensive late 70s 240D, or any 240D, so it probably wouldn't be worth putting much into it no matter what. Maybe a turbo 300D will cure your problem.

pdxman · #9 08-01-2003, 11:05 PM

It's in pretty decent shape with no rust at all. The windshield has a crack though. Here's a picture. I was thinking about offering at $2200 obo if it was running okay?

BoostnBenz · #10 08-01-2003, 11:36 PM

That looks real nice. Maybe you should get an compression tester, you can get a decent one for $100 or a little less. 1qt per oil change is great, but something just sounds off with the way it smokes. Both of mine only let out black smoke while at WOT and high rpms, they let out a little white smoke cold sometimes.

pdxman · #11 08-01-2003, 11:43 PM

Understand the need to do a compression test, but $100 for the tool itself starts adding up not to mention any fixes resulting from bad findings. What would it cost to have an Indy do it?

I may also be conservative in my qt per oil change estimate. I originally stated it was 1 plus qts/I've never really kept accurate track as I buy delo by the gallon but its probably closer to 2 qts.

Thanks

BoostnBenz · #12 08-01-2003, 11:56 PM

While this is true, hunting for a newer W123 or whatever you choose if you decide to sell your 240D you may end up using it to test the quality of the motor in your next car.

I'm not sure about an indy, but the stealership holds up to their reputation.

If you are down to around the low line after 3k miles the rings are in excellent shape. If you have to add one in order to make it there for a oil change you are almost average. Service limit is 1qt per 800miles!!!!

Also was this a gradual thing or did it come by real quick?

pdxman · #13 08-02-2003, 12:30 AM

Oh, I've already got my replacement car...'84 300d in pristine shape and running condition. The turbo has made quite a difference and the other differences also show what the 240D is failing at (I'm not including the accelerationas an 'issue').

Read my original post's issues...one thing I've been seeing in the archives and may tie into it is a possible failure of the vacuum pump diaphram?

jbaj007 · #14 08-02-2003, 01:59 AM

1) check chain stretch.

2)check IP timing (start of delivery).

3) throw a vacuum gauge on your main vacuum pump line to give a reasonable clue as to vacuum pump condition.

4) cold compression test (not as valuable as you might think in a diesel, according to some of the "old pros", but tells you if you've got a hole in a piston

(you don't)).

84300DT · #15 08-02-2003, 03:44 PM

pdxman,
did you try changing your fuel supplier? for me sometimes my guy gets a batch that is not the same as the usual, and i can notice the difference.

when you say it smokes "a lot" do you mean say at night if there is traffic behind you and you put it in third and punch it you completely smoke 'em or is it less than that?

i suppose there are different degrees of smoke