1985 300TD sluggish

[akruze]

I am considering buying a 300TD. 240k mi., nice body, everything works except the antenna and the drivers side rear door lock.
Problem is it's sluggish to get going until the turbo kicks in. When I see it next I will check the air filter, the tube between filter and valve cover and the fuel filter, but should I be looking for other issues given the mileage on this puppy?

 

[wscheffer]

Have it looked over by a technician

I could sit here an generate a good list of things to look for and other members of the forum will do the same and in the end you will end up with a massive list of things you should check and look for.

I do not know if it is worth it or not, but I would arrange with the gentleman who is selling the vehicle to have it looked over by a technician you trust.

Sometimes paying a little up front will save you in the end. :mrgreen:

If not then start with looking at the oil.

1) Look for mayo around the oil cap.

2) Water in the oil will appear as bubbles on the dip stick.

3) How dirty is the oil.

Etc...

Hope this helps...

 

[television]

These cars were never lively at the best of times,its probably OK

 

[akruze]

This will potentially be my first MB and my first diesel so all advice and ideas are truly appreciated, including laundry lists. The technician suggestion is one that would make me most comfortable but is not practical in this instance. The car is unlicensed and located too far from an MB service centre. If I move forward with this deal it will be based on information gathering and observation. Thank you kindly in advance to the members of this forum for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

[television]

This will potentially be my first MB and my first diesel so all advice and ideas are truly appreciated, including laundry lists. The technician suggestion is one that would make me most comfortable but is not practical in this instance. The car is unlicensed and located too far from an MB service centre. If I move forward with this deal it will be based on information gathering and observation. Thank you kindly in advance to the members of this forum for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Its a pleasure young man, when Hibbo wakes up he will give you a good answer as he drives one

 

[Hibbo]

Hi Marra, I'm guessing you're in the US&A (As Borat would say ) so you do actually have a turbodiesel.

Is is a w123 or w124?

As Malcolm has said, these cars do feel sluggish compared to modern cars, so don't worry to much.

If it is a turbo, check the line going from the banjo bolt on the intake manifold (check the bolt isn't gunked up too) to the ALDA on the IP; this is how the IP ups the fuelling as the boost builds.

Also check that the kickdown cable (if it has one) and vacuum proportioning valve on the side of the IP are properly set up, this could make it feel sluggish as it's in too high a gear.

Great cars, happy motoring!

 

[akruze]

Actually I live in Niagara, Canada and this 1985 W123 300TD Estate is located near our border in rural north New York state.
Thanks muchly for your valued suggestions.
It might be helpful for me to add that this car has sat unused for some time, probably in a hot southern state. The paint and exterior rubber trim bits have gone chalky, but do buff up. The palomino interior has turned pink in the most exposed areas like seat bolsters and rear area carpets.
I'm now wondering what effect sitting idle has had on various moving parts, fuel and fluids, filters and certainly rubber vacuum hoses and junctions.
The gent selling this car also has a 1985 300TD coupe which we also drove thus a comparison. Once the turbo kicked in both cars were alike but from start up to that point the Estate is way off. No misfires or other drama, just slooow.
Hope this helps.