W123 Questions

[barneyb32]

Hi, I've recently bought an '84 300D (W123) Auto saloon with 372k on the clock and Full MOT which I'm pretty pleased with - I plan to give the car a light restoration and then take several years motoring out of her.

I do have a few questions which hopefully someone can help me with

Water getting in at passenger side - An Uncle of mine had 3 different W123's and when I showed him mine he lifted the carpet on the passenger side and was unsurprised to find that it was wet. On his last W123 he gave up looking for a leak and drilled a hole in the floor instead to let water out! I would like to fix this properly - any ideas on where to look/common problem areas for leaks?

Steering a little vague at cruising speed(60 - 70 mph) Is any adjustment possible - Any ideas where to start looking etc..

Central Locking / Engine stopping
When operating the Central locking sometimes it works / sometimes not on all doors - is there any place anyone can point me to that explains how this works/trouble shooting guide

Also when the key is taken out after stopping the car the engine runs on before stopping(time varies but it could be up to a minute) - Any ideas.

Thanks in advance,
Barney.

 

[LANDR0VER]

Central Locking / Engine stopping
When operating the Central locking sometimes it works / sometimes not on all doors - is there any place anyone can point me to that explains how this works/trouble shooting guide

Also when the key is taken out after stopping the car the engine runs on before stopping(time varies but it could be up to a minute) - Any ideas.
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All these work with vacuum.... so i would check the pipes to see if any of them are loose or leaking.

 

[jberks]

following a few threads, a few people have had success checking the vacuum pipes to the headlight adjusters, leaks here will cause the problems you describe.

The steering being vague at speed could be many things, but if there is play generally in the steering, it can be adjusted by tightening the bolt in the steering box. This will take up some slack. However, if its just at speed, it could imply a joint or geometry issue.

I believe that the sunroof (if you have one) drains by the passenger side. Pull up the carpet, open the roof and pour some water into the drain channel and see where it comes out. I think if the pipe has come adrift you can get this which might explain why your uncle never found it (all seals ok).

 

[TimN]

All the classic problems of the 123 series. I have answered all of these before so do a search on my name. I have a fact sheet on how to adjust/rebuild the steering box. Chances are with the age of the vehicle it is prbably beyond adjustment anyway. However I would always suggest that you consider renewing the steering dampner. It will make the vagueness a little stiffer and you may find that it improves things enough. You will probably not realise that cars with this type of steering box will pass an MOT with an inch of play at the steering wheel. PM me with your email details and I would gladely email you a copy of the fact sheet. I would post it on the website but it is too big.