mystery 300SDL - wonder what I'm in for!
02-02-2005, 11:41 AM
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mystery 300SDL - wonder what I'm in for!
I just bought an '86 300sdl with 290k at auction. it was in the "does not run" section, covered in parking tickets. I got it _very_ inexpensively.
here's my question for you 300sdl experts out there!
the main fan + clutch are not connected to the engine- its like they broke off somehow.
I assume that the main fan is connected to the water pump- the pulley for this is bent a bit.
it seems there is little coolant in the system, and the pressure cap seems to have experienced some pressure.
checked the oil. while it looked like it needed a change, I did not smell any antifreeze.
I (maybe foolishly) charged the battery to see if the motor would turn. it did, and the car actually started right up.
I let it run for a short time ( It was 20f outside so I figured a had a short time to check things out before heat became a problem)
there was a bit of clattering beyond the usual cold diesel sound. not sure if its a valve thing, or a failed water pump or what making the noise. the motor seemed quite strong. the belt stayed on despite the wobbling pulley's best efforts.
After shutting down, I decided to post here and see what words of wisdom you all might have. should I try replacing the water pump/fan and see what happens from there? is there any other likely damage from a possible overheat?
here's my question for you 300sdl experts out there!
the main fan + clutch are not connected to the engine- its like they broke off somehow.
I assume that the main fan is connected to the water pump- the pulley for this is bent a bit.
it seems there is little coolant in the system, and the pressure cap seems to have experienced some pressure.
checked the oil. while it looked like it needed a change, I did not smell any antifreeze.
I (maybe foolishly) charged the battery to see if the motor would turn. it did, and the car actually started right up.
I let it run for a short time ( It was 20f outside so I figured a had a short time to check things out before heat became a problem)
there was a bit of clattering beyond the usual cold diesel sound. not sure if its a valve thing, or a failed water pump or what making the noise. the motor seemed quite strong. the belt stayed on despite the wobbling pulley's best efforts.
After shutting down, I decided to post here and see what words of wisdom you all might have. should I try replacing the water pump/fan and see what happens from there? is there any other likely damage from a possible overheat?
02-02-2005, 10:21 PM
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85 500 SEL
The head may have warped. Other than that these are strong engines. The ‘other’ sound may be nailing, as it worn injectors. On the bright side if she started in that cold the compression must be good.
02-04-2005, 02:13 PM
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1987 300SDL aka the "Money Pit"
I hope you got it cheap! No coolant is a bad sign on these cars a very bad sign. The aluminum heads do not like to overheat at all they will crack. And it will cost you $2k-$3k to fix. Check to see if their is any pressure in the cooling system after it sits all night. I would also pressure text the cooling system.
Another big problem area is the vac pump on the engine, the original ones had a smooth cover and when they fail will dump their bearings into the timing chain causing to to break and ruin the engine. If you see 4 screws on the cover you are all set if not a new one runs $350.
Other then that the 603 is a sweet engine, lots of fun to drive a proper one.
Another big problem area is the vac pump on the engine, the original ones had a smooth cover and when they fail will dump their bearings into the timing chain causing to to break and ruin the engine. If you see 4 screws on the cover you are all set if not a new one runs $350.
Other then that the 603 is a sweet engine, lots of fun to drive a proper one.
02-04-2005, 04:10 PM
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basically, I got it for $200. not bad I thought. I cant really test much yet as it is still in the yard, I'll do more when I bring it in. I cant really trest pressure untuil I replace the radiator- or is there a quicker way to do it?
02-11-2005, 02:12 AM
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1989 560SEL, 1999 S600, 2005 S600, 2008 S550 4Matic
The most expensive car you can buy is a cheap Benz. That sucka will probably need a million things to get back to functional shape. If not, then you're in great luck. If so, then just part it out, sell the parts here or on ebay or both and make yourself at least $1000 in the process. 
