Sitting four years outside, started right up. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

truckinik · #1 03-16-2007, 04:16 AM

Hey guys this is the best example of MBZ quality, I've experienced to date. One of my old 300CD's is up for resurrection. I've had this car sitting in the back yard, in the elements for the past four, to four and a half years. Untouched, un-noticed, and under pine trees collecting yard crap, bird crap, and a host of other growths on the outside of it. I decided it was her turn, to get a resto. I started by pulling her out of the yard, with a four wheel drive S-10. I put her in the street, pushed her onto a tow dolley, and took her home from my summer home, to my residence yesterday. Tonight, in the cold, dark rain. I dropped a new battery into her, turned the key, and let the glow plugs do their thing for a few seconds, and turned the key the rest of the way.
Guess what..!
She started up as if she had been running this afternoon. Granted, a little loud with no more exhaust system left. But started right up, and runs smooth as a swiss watch. Amazing. I never even checked any of the fluids, the oil, and diesel fuel, and filters, are as they were when I parked it. Did nothing what-so-ever aside from swap the battery. Tomorrow, in the day time I'll be changing, and checking the whole car top to bottom. I simply wanted to see if the engine was locked up or anything major. So I turned the key, and there she went.
This of course, for those of you who know me, and my interests, is another one of my silver/black leather 79 300CD's. The interior is like brand new still. There is not a sign of a bug, a mouse, nothing abnormal. No smells, or aything more than a slight, very slight, layer of dust. I had no idea, these cars sealed up so well. I expected to move in on a family of mise, or spiders atleast. The car was covered in mold, green moss of some sort, ad lots of drip stains in various places. All the windows work, at the push of the buttons, and the sun roof also. I cannot believe this. I really expected much worse results. The vac. door locks opened, and closed when I first tried them, which was also pretty cool.
I parked the car ther in October 2002, for a few reasons I care not to disclose. I jsut had to get her going though, after reading, and joining this web site you guys really got my juices flowing for my old 123 cars. I have a host of parts I need, or want to acquire for the car. Springs, shocks, radiator, temp control unit A/C compressor, and a lot more. Just wanted to share this experience with you all. My folks have been calling this car hopeless for a long time, and dad called it "Junk", not long ago.
It really is in great shape though, but it looked bad for a while there.Now shee looks great, and will feel better, too. After Daddy takes care of her....Lol

#2 03-16-2007, 05:09 AM

You didn't even put oil into the cylinders for lubrication? Bye bye piston rings....

With a bit of luck, they might be okay.

It's a good sign that it started without assistance. Sounds like the beginnings of a good project.

t walgamuth · #3 03-16-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

You didn't even put oil into the cylinders for lubrication? Bye bye piston rings....

With a bit of luck, they might be okay.

It's a good sign that it started without assistance. Sounds like the beginnings of a good project.

oh i don't know. its probably ok.

tom w

truckinik · #4 03-16-2007, 12:43 PM

Well, I suppose I'll see what happens from here. I'm sure they're ok. The thing is running flawlessly,too. The car only has 56k on it. Everything is in excellent shape. I know sitting for all that time is bad, really bad, in many cases, but confident she's fine. Oil pressure jumped to the top instantly, and I had opened the oil filler cap just before starting her,just to see what I could see. I left it opened when I started the car, and there was fresh oil around the filler opening. Pretty good indication oil got circulated as fast as possible.
Of course I couldn't say for sure, and I could be putting major work into the car soon as a result. I took a 50/50 chance, and all is well so far. What's important is that my dog is happy now. She's happy to have a few more feet of run space in the back yard of the summer home, on the lake, where the car was sitting.
You guys should have seen the S-10 sink into the soft mud LOL.., and pull that sucker out of the hole she was in. The car was sunk into the ground, up to the Bunds on the wheels Got pics in my cell phone. I'll load them and send them in the next post.