Hubby says he DID unplug it (unless the guy who replaced my starter plugged it back in?). It is just that little fan in front that's spinning, the big one behind the radiator doesn't unless I start the car (natch).

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

Well, someone definitely hard-wired that fan. Whether it was to help with an overheating problem, or to bypass the relay. However, you can disconnect it again, then watch your temperature and make sure you're not close to overheating. If so, reconnect, and start looking for the cause. Good luck!

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

In an 83 240D, is the fan triggered by a coolant temperature switch or an AC refrigerant temperature switch?

Sixto
87 300D

First picture is why I said I may need to replace my right lower rear fender. Second one the deterioration only started recently.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

How 'bout using some rust nuetralizer, then spray-can paint on top of it? OSPHO (rust neutralizer) can be used as a primer.

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Well, good news, turns out NOTHING regarding my glovebox latch was broken at all (!!). It was just stuck out of place; my husband maneuvered it back into place for me (I was afraid of breaking something if I bent too hard). He also put in the hazard warning switch, and behold, I now have working hazard lights! Of course, now that middle panel won't stay locked down...

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

Welcome ... Pook looks and sounds like my Chase. Though I have more rust. And mine's a stick.
The rust, I did some improvements just scraping if it off, covering in POR15, and using filler to even it out, then repainting. I only did the front fenders, haven't gotten to the backs yet. The driver's side front had a 3-inch hole in it that I kind of glued a piece of scrap metal behind with JB Weld and filled in with filler. It doesn't look great but it looks much better.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)

Ooh, that's painful to look at! No, no individual spot on my car is that bad, probably thanks to the lovely dry Colorado climate!

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

Yeah yours looks like it's in much nicer shape body-wise!. But if POR15 can slow down that nasty mess on mine, it'll do wonders on that small bit on your rear fender.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)

WOW!!!

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Er...anybody have an alternator adjustment bolt? Mine broke when my husband went to tighten the alternator belt...

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

LOL . . . I did that one time too, had to take what was left and braise it on . . . was shorter, but worked until Peter replaced it when he was fine-toothing the car!!!

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Next time . . . loosen the adjuster before tightening the belts with the crowbar. After the belts are on and all apendages are tightened down . . . then use the adjustment bracket to tighten it!!!!

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

I'll let him know

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)

When I got the car there was this spot of rust under the corner of the rear windshield on the passenger side. My hubby coated it in silicon to keep it from spreading.

Fast forward to today. I was on the forum last night reading old threads about horror stories of leaking rear windshield seals (which may be the cause of that spot of rust?) causing widespread rust in the trunk as well as rust on the rear lower fenders (yes I've got rot going on that same passenger-side one). So, thoroughly spooked, I decided to inspect my trunk. Took everything out, took out the tire covering (left the plastic over the wheel wells though)...and thankfully it's pretty much rust-free in there! Whew! I did take a very close look at the fender rot though, and...yeah, I gotta get a patch welded in there somehow...same with the drivers-side one (which isn't as extensive, but still)...

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1983 240D, 272K+ miles (odo broke)