Background: I purchased my 1981 MB 240D, 4-speed manual, back at the end of April and have put 6,400 miles on the car. I drive the car 2 or 3 days a week between Fayetteville and Raleigh, NC, or about 170 a day. Just came back from a trip and put on about 1,000 miles. Let Friday and came back Sunday night.

I have spend hours going thru the different threads, and can find some partial answers, so ……..

How do you check the oil level on the IP? I have changed engine oil twice and never checked nor added oil (engine oil I guess) to the IP. I have an Isuzu Diesel and the fuel cools and lubricates .

Valve adjustments -- Have yet to do this, but first I need to buy some special wrenches, 2 14 MM and a 27MM deep socket. Is this all I will need? When I look between the pulleys and the radiator, looks mighty tight to fit socket and wrench into. I do not want to turn the engine by using the starter.

MPG average since I purchased the car is 30 MPG, is this on the low side? When I drive to Raleigh and back, I get a good strong 30 MPG, but I dive between 60-65 mph. On the 1,000 trip I drove between 70-75 and my MPG dropped to 26. But the air was on high most of the time. Outside temp in the mid 90’s, in the car only in the mid 80’s.
But I see other get 30+MPG going 75+ mph. Are my MPG typical for 240d manuals?

Oil filter – Wix

Oil - 15W/40 Shell, I plan to change the oil every 4 to 5 thousand miles.


Bob
1981 MB 240D, 176,000 miles on car, 6,000 by me.