I just bought an 82 240d with 82,000 miles. I'm noticing that ther's some oil/sludge about level with the vacuum pump, but on the driver's side of the engine. Leaking head gasket?? Should an engine with this amount of miles even be leaking??

there is no reason for it 'not' to be leaking. It is still a 27 year old gasket, most likely. When coolant is not properly maintained it turns acidic, easily destroying a head gasket. With such low mileage over such a long span, one can be assured of extended latent periods (low usage / low maintenace).

mileage also does not effect the possibilty of overheating.

__________________

After sitting to rot for so long, yes. When its used after long periods of no activity all the seals will be dry and brittle and the metal will be exposed to moisture (rust).

So what's worst case scenerio. Am I looking at replacing gaskets/seals in labor intensive places??

post a picture before you tear into it.

__________________

1979 240D with a 617 turbo diesel.

as a preliminary, I would wash down the area thoroughly and determine the actual source of the leak.

if it is not on the main part of block near the cylinders, you could probably tighten up the bolt/ nuts and be done with it.

if it is close to the cylinders you can continue driving it and have oil analysis performed for coolant etc.. or oil in the coolant. Or loss of either over a period of miles.

there are commonly recurring oil leaks from these areas on these engines.

__________________

forgot to mention there was a period where these cars were supposed be returned to the dealer for a regular service which included the retorquing of the headbolts. You may have to do some searching, but I think the head bolt style determines this requirement. A cheap, easy fix may be to retorque the head bolts.
others would tell you to do the job right, once.
and another small percent will tell you their head leaks oil to this day. "thats what diesels do"

__________________

Thanks to all. I will get back to you with more info/pictures!

I agree with the first sentence. ON an engine this old I would not fool around trying to torque the head bolts,though, that would be imho asking for trouble. I disagree also that there are any "normal" places that a 240d motor leaks. I would drive it and see if it actually is losing any fluids first.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The front timing cavity has been reported numerous times.
The recessed bolt above the IP timing gear as well.

as for the bolts - I am specifically reffering to the nuts on the outside of the head around the tming cavity, and the 2 or 3 inside the timing cavity. Not the head bolts. (unless you do all them in the proper sequence and stages)

__________________

I meant that any leak was not normal and should be repaired.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Power steering pump leak was what mine was. I agree with the advice to wash first, then watch.

__________________
2002 E320 Sedan 93K Designo Mocha Black Metallic!
1995 E320 Wagon 205K Black Wagon
1982 240D 183K SloPoke

I believe each of these cars are the final production year for that model.