? on how to keep a daily driver lasting forever - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

P.E.Haiges · #16 09-11-2002, 12:23 PM

Juice?????

Engine: 8 quarts Diesel rated engine oil with filter change.

Transmission: 6 quarts ATF with torque converter drain, about 3 quarts with pan drain only.

Fuel tank: My '80 300SD will take 25 gallons of Diesel fuel when compleletly empty even though the manual say it holds less.

P E H

#17 09-11-2002, 01:51 PM

Thanx P.E.H.

Thats excatly what I was asking for

Jeff

#18 09-11-2002, 02:53 PM

I think the 3,000 mile oil change is THE key to long life on these diesels. It also pays to get one of the dealer-recommended service schedules from when these cars were new and follow it. Finally, EASY use of these robust machines is just good sense...they'll cruise all day at 80.

Good luck.

JHZR2 · #19 09-11-2002, 03:10 PM

Any ideas where I could get a real reccomended service manual from 83? Havent seen any of these. I got a service manual from M-B, but it was actually their latest one, didnt go with the reprint manual they sent me...
Thanks

JMH

Aaron · #20 09-11-2002, 04:01 PM

All these guys pretty much hit the nail on the head here. Just keep up the maintenance and keep the body clean and free of salt, etc...

Use good oil and don't skimp on using genuine OE parts. Overkill is the key with an older car, even a diesel. I see too many cars that people neglect because they think it's legendary reputation for reliability means no maintenance is needed.

We just took my '83 300SD on a trip to Disney World and back. Didn't skip a beat the entire way. Mileage is at 241,5XX and oil consumption is nil, just a pretty bad leak from the filter housing-to-block gasket, which I will rectify soon.

#21 09-12-2002, 12:47 AM

I'm a firm believer in keeping your car in top tune. Frequent oil changes, valve adjustments and keep an eye on the timing chain. You don't want this to snap. I'm also a proponent of the occasional "Italian Tune-up." These 300s love to run, and run hard.

asti84 · #22 09-13-2002, 12:40 AM

With this cars there are a few things u need to maintain:

1. Oil change every 3-5k. You can use synthetic if you want Mobil 1 seem tp be popular with a lot of diesel owners. I've tried it then went back to dino since it dripped a lot more.

2. Fuel filter and valve adjustment every 15k. Have them check your timing chain and tensioner at this service.

3. Tranny service every 30K.

4. LubeMolly diesel purge every six months to keep your injectors clean and lubed.

5. I always believe in moderation. I drive mine at about 75 mph (not to mention pretty safe from the CHP)

Also IF YOU CAN FIND A MERCEDES BENZ ONLY SHOP IN YOUR AREA ...

Do these things and you should run easily into the 500K !!!!
ENJOY AND GOD BLESS!!!!

PROVERBS 3:5-6
______________________

84 300DT- 255k and going
99 ML 430- 37K

mreid · #23 09-13-2002, 02:50 AM

Follow the manual's schedule for maintence and it will last. Everything that needs service is made to be serviced. After you have had this car for a while you will come tom realize that MB truely intended the cars to run a very very long time. These older cars a a joy to work on for the most part something they have gone away from...what a shame. Enjoy, take care of it and it will serve you well.