Big Roll of the dice on this purchase - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

alabbasi · #16 04-07-2012, 06:02 PM

This is not a big risk, you can resell it for twice that as is or for more if you dismantle.

TylerH860 · #17 04-09-2012, 09:58 PM

David (my mechanic and forum member 83240D) got a quick look at it today when it was towed up and got mostly good news.

Looks like some the threads for the starter bolts are stripped. Someone had welded in a bracket to try and hold it in. There are plenty of fixes out there, and David seems confident he can make it right by retapping the hole. I've been reading some horror stores on the forum about some Redneck fixes, including welding the starter to the block!

Also, looked at it in the daylight for the first time and found it had a GM Goodwrench new motor sticker. So the mileage on the motor is likely less than 151,000 that the odometer says.

Overall, not too bad. Good rubber, rust is manageable, and I get to pick up the supposedly perfect replacement bed on Saturday.

Dudesky · #18 04-09-2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Starter seems bad, but I can't really tell. Dashed down there with the cash in the dark, towed it away. I bought it consider the worst case scenario that the motor is locked up and that's why the starter won't turn, but I doubt it.

"Still grinds when you start it"

Could be starter pinion/shim issue. Or is he saying the starter pinion isn't engaging?

Dubyagee · #19 04-09-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

David (my mechanic and forum member 83240D) got a quick look at it today when it was towed up and got mostly good news.

Looks like some the threads for the starter bolts are stripped. Someone had welded in a bracket to try and hold it in. There are plenty of fixes out there, and David seems confident he can make it right by retapping the hole. I've been reading some horror stores on the forum about some Redneck fixes, including welding the starter to the block!

Also, looked at it in the daylight for the first time and found it had a GM Goodwrench new motor sticker. So the mileage on the motor is likely less than 151,000 that the odometer says.

Overall, not too bad. Good rubber, rust is manageable, and I get to pick up the supposedly perfect replacement bed on Saturday.

Make sure the PO did not use small block chevy bolts (common mistake when replacing starters). They are slightly smaller diameter and will pull out. Get proper diesel bolts and a thread chase. I bet there's still enough "meat" left to do it properly.