1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years - Preparation advice

[WilliamSchlichtig]

I have a 1983 240D that was parked 5 years ago and hasn?t run since.  Other than belts, hoses and tires what are some of the things I should do prior to trying to start it.  The car has about 350 thousand miles on it but was in good mechanical condition prior to being parked.  Also is there a good place to buy parts?  

Thanks in advance for any advice.  

 

[Spike]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Wow, where do you start!!

First thing....is the engine seized?

Remove the plugs and put a little diesel in each plug hole (excellent lubricant to free sticky piston rings) leave overnight and then carefully try and turn the engine over a few times by hand. If it turns over you are in business.

Change all the fluids, (engine oil, coolant, gearbox and tranny oil)

The next serious thing to double check is the brakes Inspect the whole brake system for hose damage/expansion, check all joints and make sure all the pistons are moving freely and nothing is seized. After a few years, it is quite common for the pads to start to separate from the backing plate so inspect  the shoes and pads carefully. Then change the brake fluid.

I would suggest that the carburettor will probably need stripping and all the jets need cleaning out. The fuel in the petrol tank will also be past its best so it may be best to drain this also.

One you have the engine running, the wheels turning and brakes working properly you are well on your way.

A few years ago, I bought an old BSA motorcycle that had been standing outside in the rain for over twenty years. The chap I bought it off just couldnt believe his eyes when I rode it back to his house less than four hours after picking it up to show him.

*Occasionally you can be really lucky*

Good luck, hopefully you wont need it.



(Edited by Spike at 7:40 pm on Oct. 3, 2002)

 

[MarkSL]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Sp!ke

Its a 240D - Diesel !

So forgetting taking the plugs out, and stripping the carb the rest should be sound advice
You could remove the injectors and try a drop of diesel down the cylinders maybe - I dont know the 240D very well.

Basically if it can turn over freely - then give it a go!
but dont try and drive it until the brakes/tyres/steering have all been well checked

If it runs ok then change the oil and try and sort out an MOT for it

Good luck

Mark

 

[Spike]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Doh!

Didnt spot the Diesel bit ....LOL

 

[WilliamSchlichtig]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Thanks for the advice everyone.  One of these weekends I will try and implement it.  I happened to open the door last weekend and looked inside - the interior is in very good condition.  Then I closed the door - a solid thud.  The car is very well made.  I will probably be posting more questions in the future.  Bye the way Mark what is an MOT.

 

[Matt Crooke]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

One final thing....for gods sake dont have anyone standing behind the car when you start it....id imagine there will be a rather large black cloud mysteriously appear on turning the key loL!

Good luck though!

 

[white190]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Now heres a subject I know about ... being a farmers boy..

I have had to start Diesel engines that haven't been run for 10 years or more...

1st  thing to do is drain all the fuel.... diesels realy don't like contaminated fuel.... and the fuel can 'gum' up after a few years.
Drain the injector pump.
Remove the injectors..clean them (preferably with an ultra sonic bath, but nothing abrasive) and leave them out.
Change the engine oil with some cheap oil.
hook up the battery to a booster/starter
If you can, put a SMALL amount (10-15ml) of clean oil preferably Vegetable oil (lubricates the upper piston area and burns prety much like diesel)in the piston bores .
Turn the engine over for 10 minutes (this gets all the bearings coated in oil stops the bearings getting buggered by running completley dry).

Drain the oil again
Change the oil filter
Fill with half decent oil
refit injectors
fill tank with good fuel
Bleed fuel system and pump.
Change Air filter.

And try to start her...
you may need to use a squirt if "EZ start" to get her going 1st time.

These are general rules I was shown by a tractor mechanic when I was learning...I used them since and I've never buggered an engine yet..

Just my 10 pence's worth after working on diesels all my life.....

Seriously though I suspect Andy may have an easier way for mercs.

 

[Andy]

1983 240D hasn't run in 5 years

Hi

Forget the Ezie Start stuff unless you know what you are doing.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com