Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Anyone want to buy my '81 300D? Not really. Just tell me what THIS sound is!

Not my fault! I've been in TX since '92! I was on my way from Burbank to Encino at the time. Had to be pre 1990.

On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 8:22 PM, BStromsoe <bstromsoe@yahoo.com> wrote:

Son of a gun, 20 years ago I was on that freeway heading up the hill from LA towards Camarillo when someone in front of me blew a piston or rings and splattered me with oil - was that you?

brian from la verne, ca

From: Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:45 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Anyone want to buy my '81 300D? Not really. Just tell me what THIS sound is!

No my pressure never dropped to "o". It did go down a bit, usually when I drive it's all the way up to "3", then when I'm at light it's around "1" or "2". I never saw it drop all the way. The sound of horror I hear now sounds like a rod. The car won't stay running for more than a few seconds, if I can even get it to start.

I learned my lesson years ago. I didn't know to check for the gasket when I changed the oil in my '67 Mustang. A few days later, driving down the Ventura Frwy I saw the gauge drop to "O" and watched in horror as a black cloud puffed out the back...good thing there wasn't a convertible behind me!

Trish

On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 7:34 PM, Mark in Lakewood, CO <beeser750@q.com> wrote:

Did the oil pressure guage in the dash ever give any indication it was low on oil? It usually begins with the needle dropping to "0" when taking corners and during acceleration or braking. When it does this, you need at least three quarts of oil. At that point, it's not too late, if you quickly rectify the situation.

These things don't have hydraulic lifters, so, if you hear such noises; well, it's not good....

Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "patricia_dougherty" <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 6:23:42 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Anyone want to buy my '81 300D? Not really. Just tell me what THIS sound is!

I'm very particular about checking fluids, usually.

Sat night on my way to work I heard a weird sound & hoped it was someone else on the freeway. It was a loud banging type of noise. The sound went away, I forgot all about it.

Last night again on my way to work, I heard the sound, thought uh oh, that sounds like lifters from low oil. Forgot all about it by the time I got off work.

Today on my way to an interview I again heard "the" sound, this time I mentally kicked myself for not checking the fluids & pulled over immediately.

Yes I know you shouldn't check the oil when the car is hot, you get a false reading.

Well, there wasn't a drop of oil showing on the dipstick! I had some in the trunk, I put that in, cancelled my interview, and went to Auto Zone. Bought more oil, put some in, FINALLY got a reading on the dipstick.

I limped towards home not able to go faster than about 25mph. The car died at an intersection 6 miles from home. I got it started again, limped on down the road till it finally stopped about 1/4 mile from home. It would turn over, but not start.

Sounds like a combination of no gas, which I have 1/2 a tank, and like it's going to explode and shoot bolts and other engine shrapnel everywhere. I know that's vague. One of the guys that stopped to help and towed me home, claims to be a diesel mechanic. He said it seems like it has to do with the cam, but without tearing the engine apart it's impossible to tell.

I used my cell phone video to try to record. I put it under files, it says Video002, Trish's '81 300D.

Neither Kevin nor I know anything about diesels. What are my options? Pull the engine and put in a new one? I know a mechanic, he says it's free for them to tell me what's wrong, but they don't get involved in rebuilds, they'll be happy to pull this engine and drop in another one...for $$$$$$

I did call the kid I bought the car from. He swears there was no problem. He said they had the oil changed because the car had been sitting. It was done at Lube Express. I don't know if they didn't put the drain plug in right or maybe the filter wasn't installed properly. But if it's not due for an oil change until 12/15, I sure shouldn't be out of oil now! He told me how the money I paid him burned a hole in his pocket so he bought a truck and has had to dump tons of money into...so I wonder if that's not instant Karma? Did he know something about my car??? I did ask if his diesel mechanic dad would be willing to come see if he can tell me what's wrong. I told him I'm not after him, the car was purchased "as is".

boo hoo hoo. I'm very bummed and trapped at home ten miles outside of town!

Trish

--
Trish Dougherty
PurrFect Harmony Farm
Ennis, TX
http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com