I bought a 83 240D. It would run but needed an overhaul so we put new sleeves, pistons, rings, etc., had the head done, injector pump calibrated, etc. The car ran good for 2 hard months (odometer busted) but now is using about 2 quarts every 50 miles, lots of blow-by. We are going to pull it down and see what we did wrong. My machine shop put .003" clearance on piston, I knew better but let the machinist talk me into it. Any clues or helpful hints? This my first Benz.
Amazingly, I put 3 cans of Freeze-12 in the AC and eureka, cold air! It doesn't leak!
Anyway, of all the used diesel MB's I've seen around, the only problem I've seen is the sleeves and rings are worn out; the bottom end, the head, the entire 20-25 year old chasis is great (dry climate, it is amazing what all still works), but the rings and sleeves are shot. Is this common or my imagination? In my experience any other make engine, diesel or otherwise , usually something else thrashes before the rings and sleeves. It seems odd and would be a tragedy if this was the weakest part of the vehicle. I love the car more than I imagined, but I will be heart-broken if this is a common problem. Rumor has it a 123 chasis is running around Lubbock, TX with a 350 Chevrolet in it.
Also, I have found a 82 or 83 300D turbo 4 door sedan that was stolen and burned but engine is ok (it was still running and cool when the fire department put the fire out. Firewall back is toast). I am looking for a 300D car with a shot engine and found a 77 model. Should I keep looking for a newer chasis?