New to diesel, not to MB :) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

networkboy · #1 08-09-2006, 01:48 PM

Hey all,
I recently acquired a 300D Turbo with 234K miles on it:
Body: no rust, no dings, no paint chips (except on the door edges)
Dash is cracked, passenger window doesn't go down.
Rear signal lights out (fixed already)
AC slow leak (bugger)
hazard light switch broken
first to second shift is very hard, all others OK

I had a mechanic check it out and all the expected things are worn (belts, rubber bits, tie rods, etc.) The engine and transmission checked out in quite good condition.
While I feel good about doing the fluids (just ordered all the filters), and I feel OK about attacking the brakes and suspension, I'm not sure what is involved in engine maintenance on these.

It looks fairly straight forward but I need to replace the injector return lines and from what I've read a valve adjustment is a good idea. Should I consider paying for the valve adjustment this time round and focus on the other bits? Or do you all think I can tackle all of it at once?

Cheers,
-nB

MercFan · #2 08-09-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by networkboy

It looks fairly straight forward but I need to replace the injector return lines and from what I've read a valve adjustment is a good idea. Should I consider paying for the valve adjustment this time round and focus on the other bits? Or do you all think I can tackle all of it at once?

Welcome and congrats on the new car!

I'm pretty new to MB (not diesel) and I can tell you that I was able to get the valve adjustment myself FAIRLY easily - you have to have the right tools (bent wrenches) and you have to take your time doing them - the DieselGiant site has a nice pictorial procedure you should review.

I also measured the timing chain stretch (cam timing) while I had the cover off.

It's also a good idea to replace a valve cover gasket while you're at it or else you'll get a nice oil leak.

Good luck -
MercFan

uberwgn · #3 08-09-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by networkboy

Hey all,
I recently acquired a 300D Turbo with 234K miles on it:
Body: no rust, no dings, no paint chips (except on the door edges)
Dash is cracked, passenger window doesn't go down.
Rear signal lights out (fixed already)
AC slow leak (bugger)
hazard light switch broken
first to second shift is very hard, all others OK

I had a mechanic check it out and all the expected things are worn (belts, rubber bits, tie rods, etc.) The engine and transmission checked out in quite good condition.
While I feel good about doing the fluids (just ordered all the filters), and I feel OK about attacking the brakes and suspension, I'm not sure what is involved in engine maintenance on these.

It looks fairly straight forward but I need to replace the injector return lines and from what I've read a valve adjustment is a good idea. Should I consider paying for the valve adjustment this time round and focus on the other bits? Or do you all think I can tackle all of it at once?

Cheers,
-nB

nb, do you know what model year the car is?

networkboy · #4 08-09-2006, 02:17 PM

Sorry,
That would have been a good idea to include eh?
It's a 1983, and the PO was the buyer, and bought all the shop manuals for the car at purchase time. I figure that was a mini gold mine right there and I've been busy reading

Cheers,
-nB

BTW, was there only one engine for this year and either way how do I find out which one it is?

riethoven · #5 08-09-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by networkboy

It's a 1983,

BTW, was there only one engine for this year and either way how do I find out which one it is?

Yes, there was only one engine for 1983 and that is the OM 617 turbodiesel. As you learn more about Mercedes diesels, you will find that this is one of the best engines they ever built. Good luck with your new acquisition!

By the way, it is supposed to get an umlaut (two little dots) over the o but i don't know how to do that.

uberwgn · #6 08-09-2006, 02:36 PM

nb, if you're planning on keeping the car for a while, and wish to be self-sufficient, the valve adjustment task is not difficult and the tools aren't big money.

Good luck!