I just bought a 1982 300TD Sedan (turbo) and a 1986 300 TD Wagon (turbo) so what do you think of those?
~Rebelmamma

 

I'm new here, please be nice. I'm about to purchase a 1987 190D non Turbo w/ 180K miles for $800. It has a WVO from Grease car.com conversion on it. I'm going to buy it, but what should i look for at purchase? From what i've read here it appears to be a good, smart deal. Even without the WVO system. Thanks for any help.

 

Saw this thread has been going quite a while.
I am the owner of a 1982 300D Turbodiesel ,
and a 1983SD Turbodiesel.
I bought the 82 from a Dr. of Theology here in North Carolina,
who used it to travel in his preaching,so Sunday driving was
it's primary, never been thrashed history of use.
I've owned this car for 11 years now. 386K in miles.
The only type of major type work I've done(I turn my own wrench)
has been to replace the front main seal, to cure a leak, and changed
both rear half shafts, uncluding bearings,and seals.
The usual replacements over the years, tires, brake pads, etc.
The car has never failed me in use over the years I've driven it .
It has been on long trips many times. I average around 30 miles per gallon.
It may not be a real high mpg car like the new DI type motors, but the basic
design makes it the type of motor the average mechanic can still work on
without having to go to the dealer.
Because of the changing history of diesel fuel we now have to use
additives due to low sulfer content.
The bottom line is the best formula for longevity is a cast iron head,and block combo,
and to keep up with the primary fluids changes,and levels. Watch your temp. guage,
thermostats should be replaced as needed, don't procrastinate on maint.
I am 60 years of age,and will retire in 6 more years. I expect this car
will still be drivable many years from now.
The 3 liter 5 cylinder is in my opinion the most reliable diesel engine ever made.
My 83 is a project car in waiting.
The motor will need to be pulled, and checked for a knock.
My main interest right now is building another hot rod.
American muscle type. I am considering putting the 83 up for sale.
Body ,and interior are in very good condition.

James

 

I jst bought an 86 300sdl at an auction for 1100 300k miles but runs great did I get a good deal

 

i have a 81' 240-D non-turbo in perfect order. we just had the whole interior redone and the are no problems with it at all. i have been trying to figure out what the worth of the car is. it had just over 300k miles on it. if anyone could help me out i would really appreciate it.

- CC

 

I'm looking at a 1982 300 TD that's been converted to run on veggie oil. It has a new Timing Chain, -Adjusted the Intake and Exhaust valves, -All new Hoses, Fuel line, Filters, coolant and Belts, -Entire Exhaust replaced, -Replaced transmission modulator, controls when the car shifts, this still needs some adjustment. Wheels and Suspension -New Tires, sand blasted the rims, -New Brake pads and fluid, -Cleaned and turned rotors, -New Shocks, - New hydraulic Suspension spheres, flushed and replaced fluid Body -Repaired rust spots, -New paint Veggie System -Built new 9 gallon aluminum diesel tank and turned old tank into the veggie tank, -Heavy duty solenoid valves, -28 layer heat exchanger, -Frybrid heated filter, -Routed coolant and veggie lines

So basically it was overhauled.....it was all done as a school project in alternative energy for a Technology Education Department. So it wasn't exactly done professionally...
My questions, What should I be looking for? What are common mistakes/problems? What might it be worth (190K on the odometer)? I'm new to this and my old volvo wagon just died and I don't want to drop $4k and have nothing but expensive problems.....
How expernsive are these to work on? Parts hard to find?
Any help and tips would be much appreciated!!!!

 

We had a 300 td that our family put 700 k on it before we sold it and never had the valves adjusted or the timing chain replaced it still ran strong

 

Why is it scrap?

 

That's kind of what I thought. Out of curiousity, what are you're thoughts on running on veggie oil?

 

What I would do to sit at a bar next to you and pick your brain for a bit!!!! It's funny cause so many places you read says that veggie oil is just fine for the engine, some even say it's better than diesel.... I didn't know it was illegal and bad for the environment! Thanks for all the quality info, I feel like I should be paying you for this kind of info....
I looked at a 79 300 TD today and the transmission shifts pretty late going from second to third (he said only when it's cold), he said his mechanic said it was the vacuum modulator, is that something I could do myself or have a mechanic do. What are some other things I should look for as this one is in much rougher looking shape. Also, how noticable is the nonturbo in the diesels...I'm not a racer, but sometimes in the city you need to be able to give her a little gas....