what are the chances of a 1974 240D Mercedes Benz i gave $500.00 for, running 4000miles?

Question

it smokes a little but starts and runs fine, rockers need adjustments and the automatic trans is without leaks and shifts ok, if you where going to make a list of things that always fail on this model what would be on that list to check, remember i'm going on a 4200 mile round trip to lower mexico, no parts down their only fuel, should the head gasket be changed among what other things, and do you think 30MPG is possible on my trip, thank you for your help.

I'M REALLY HAPPY TO SEE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THESE LITTLE CARS ARE SO COOL, THEY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED TO BE AS TUFF, AS AN ANVIL.

Answer 1

First of all, the car will do the job. 240D's last forever. They will return 30mpg. Here's some advice from someone with half a million miles of experience with these cars:

1) Don't even think about changing the headgasket. A Mercedes is not a Toyota, it's not an easy job. Nor is it necessary. These motors easily go 300K miles without major engine work.

2) Change all the little rubber connectors in the vacuum system, with priority for the ones in the engine compartment. They are readily availably at Merc dealers for a dollar apiece. A failure will leave you with a car that can' t turn off or a lock that won't close.

3) Change the small diameter fuel return lines on the injectors. The last injector has a hose with a special plug, if this fails you won't be able to find a replacement on the road. Get the hoses (including the one with the plug) from a Merc dealer, they will have the right stuff. Get a spare replacement for the little plugged hose, I keep emphasizing this because it's a cheap thing that can really mess up your trip. These hoses should cost about $15, don't scrimp by going to Autozone.

4) Replace all the filters. You should also drain the tank and replace or clean the screen in the bottom. Carry three extra sets of fuel filters, two oil filters, and an air filter on your trip. If you don't know how to change the fuel filters yourself (there are two), learn. Clogged fuel filters will stop you dead, and you're going places where the fuel supply is suspect.

5) Adjust the valves.

6) Replace brakes, pads, rotors. The parts are cheap, a problem is expensive.

7) Replace the battery.

8) Replace the glow plugs.

9) Carry extra fuses: you will need 8A, 16A, and 25A german style fuses. You should also carry a fuse strip for the glow plug circuit, and you should know where this is located in the car. This fuse strip is another dealer only item.

10) Check the suspension thoroughly, especially the lower ball joints and rear subframe mounts.

11) I'd be tempted to replace the vacuum pump, since this is the one thing that could totally kill your car. When the vacuum pump diaphragm fails, motor oil pollutes the vacuum lines, destroying all the little vacuum controls, the brake booster, and the ignition switch.

12) Change the transmission oil and filter. Be very careful not to get any dirt into that transmission!

13) Check the motor mounts and the transmission mount. Replace them if they are cracked or spongy. This is a prime cause of driveline failures

14) Check the flex disks on the driveshaft. Replace if cracked.

15) Tools to carry: a complete set of box end metric wrenches, 8mm-19mm. An injector socket wrench (I believe this is 27mm). A Mityvac (vacuum testing tool). A funnel. Screwdrivers and pliers. Carry two gallons of motor oil: use a Diesel specific oil like Mobil Delvac or Shell Rotella. You need to change the oil every 2500, so you may as well have a supply. Hint: if you run out of fuel along the road, your 240D will run fairly well on motor oil!

16) You may end up spending another $500 to accomplish everything on this list: it's still cheap transportation!

Answer 2

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RE:
what are the chances of a 1974 240D Mercedes Benz i gave $500.00 for, running 4000miles?
it smokes a little but starts and runs fine, rockers need adjustments and the automatic trans is without leaks and shifts ok, if you where going to make a list of things that always fail on this model what would be on that list to check, remember i'm going on a 4200 mile round trip to lower...

Answer 3

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I own one that I have had since 1990. It is kind of like a comparison between the tortoise and the hare. Off the line the hare will win every time. BUT !!!!!!! I love that 565 mile fuel mileage per tank. 32-42mpg. So What if I end up slowing to 45mph going up the Grapevine on Interstate 5 south. It is built like a tank and is so reliable that you just cannot but love the car. By the way -- I now have a little over 375000 miles on it and never rebuilt the engine. I use only Amsoil synthetic in it and have a bypass filter and preoiler system on it and have NO engine wear. The timing chain tension-er had to be replace twice and of course water pump and alternator a couple of times. Have only replaced the clutch once. Just about due now. Drive shaft has been rebuilt twice. In total not a bad investment for $2250 USD. Now if you want to hear about a really good example of MB engineering as about my 1967 200D.

Answer 4

1974 Mercedes

Answer 5

Like Big D said.. have a good MB mechanic check it out... or a Import Car repair shop. A good once over, change the coolant and oil.
I would toss a fan belt, upper and lower radiator hose in the truck with 2 bottles of anitfreeze.

Those engines are pretty much bullet proof. The last hundreds of thousands of kilometers under severe conditions (taxi)

Answer 6

I'd say yours is a w123 240d and those engines are bulletproof and will go forever with a little tlc, have a full service done on the car by a good garage, check the rockers , take spare oil, tranny fluid, fanbelt, radiatorhoses and a couple of jubilee clips (the big ones) and she will make it no problem at all.

Answer 7

All good answers so far. I would also change the tranny fluid and filter. along with the oil and filter. bring along some extra oil and tranny fluid along with everything else suggested. Check your spare and maybe bring along an extra one of those to. Get some Fix a flat just to b safe get a 12v air compressor. Good luck

Answer 8

I was going to answer this, but the guy above me gave a superb answer, so let me just add this: Make sure your vacuum stuff ( tranny) is good and keep spare fuel filters (Bosch) on hand. .

Answer 9

I would have a mechanic check it out. That is a long haul for a car that old to jump into blindly. A simple compression test should let you know hoe your head gasket is doing.

Answer 10

first is it turbocharger or non-turbocharger. and when is the last time the enigine was rebuilt. i would check the valves the head gasket piston rings rods and berrings.