Re: [diesel_mercedes] FINALLY got my 300D, now many questions

Trish, 

 

    Even if the young man you got it from 'just changed' the filters, changing them yourself is job #1 INCLUDING the air filter. 

 

    Job #2 is the valve adjust.  These are not automatic adjusting heads.  Adjusting the valves on a regular schedule will pay huge rewards in performance and in longevity and economy. 

 

    The job takes about 30 minutes.  It's messy.  It's expensive at any shop.  But it is dead simple, if you have the right tools and a couple of times of experience.  There are bent wrenches that make it easier to get into the tight spots.  Some people make their own, by just bending the right size wrenches from Sears or OSH or where ever.  LEARN how to do it and make the car happy without spending big bucks. 

 

    Mashing your foot down isn't going to improve performance.  You have to get a feel for how the car responds and behaves.  One thing that you will learn, as you test it, is that this car doesn't need to slow down in a lot of the corners that many cars have to slow down for.  So you can maintain a constant speed without having to re-accellerate as much. 

 

    But you ARE talking about a heavy, safe, comfortable car with a 5 cylinder diesel engine.  It is NEVER going to drive like your Lotus. 

 

Tom; 81 300SD 352+++ miles 

 

 

 

In a message dated 9/25/2011 4:16:52 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com writes:

 

Thank you for the advice. I was told by someone else the same thing regarding the shuddering.  Once it cools off outside...and football is over, we'll go out and check the fluid level.

I figured that trying to turbo this one was a bad idea.  I'll keep my eyes open for a turbo, it'll come along. I like this car, just getting used to it. 

Hmmm on the idle switch. Will check that out too.  I just got the car on Monday, haven't had time to "play" with it yet.

It's not that I'm trying to get anywhere fast, but I have to keep my foot in it just to get up speed and the second I let off, I'm slow as "molasses in January".  Uphill, curves, slow, down hill, flat, cruises right along.

Trish

On Sun, Sep 25, 2011 at 1:11 PM, ygmir111 <ygmir111@att.net> wrote:

 

the "idle switch" is merely to increase the throttle slightly, for better
cold idle and faster warm up.
usually unnecessary in warm weather *if your car is running right*

reverse shuddering can be low trans fluid, or, another issue. I'd not think
it due to idle speed. but.....

depending on what you're used to driving, yeah, you may well have to "floor
it" to get anywhere, if you're used to faster acceleration. The NA 300's are
good, but nowhere near a "speed demon", and, an auto trans will make it seem
slower.

yes, a turbo would be easy *relatively* Yes, it will honk up your car
*engine* and no, it is not at all recommended to add a turbo to an engine
that came NA. Nate is, again, correct!!!

good luck
Henry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nate Rector" <tccservice111@yahoo.com>
To: <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] FINALLY got my 300D, now many questions

One thing Don't use a LOVECRAP SYSTEM,to many diesels died.Want relieable
conversion go to fattywagons.com .

Adding a turbo to a NA engine won't last.Turboed engines have piston oil
holes.

From: patricia_dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 10:31 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] FINALLY got my 300D, now many questions

I've wanted a MB since the mid '80's, been really researching for about
6yrs. Last Monday I FINALLY got my '81 300D. Wanted a turbo, but needed
transportation and found this one owner with only 273,000 miles for under
$2K!

1. The book says to turn the idle switch counter clock wise till it stops,
wait for glow plug light to go out then start the car. When do I turn the
idle switch back? Do I do that EVERY time I start the car?

2. When I put the car in reverse it shudders like crazy, why? Hubby thinks
the idle needs to be turned up. He also thinks the idle switch isn't working
right.

3. Does anyone have a diagram for wires? I have to order the Haynes book.
There are wires under the hood that no one knows where they go

4. Anyone know anything about cruise control? Mine does not work.

5. I have to floor it to get anywhere, is that normal? Sure does put my
foot to sleep to have to continually mash on the accelerator.

6. I was told I can convert this to a turbo and it's easy. Will it honk up
my car? Should I do this or just keep looking for a factory turbo?

7. Want to convert this to a "grease car" using the Love Craft Bio Fuel
conversion. Anyone familiar with that?

Thanks for any answers.

Trish