1975 Mercedes Benz 240D is this a good buy? for $800.00
It has electrical engine problems,
is their any upgrades that can be done to this engine?
Here is the description give in ad.
1975 Mercedes Benz 240D. 4cyl. diesel. Aprox. 120,000 miles. Car overall is in excellent condition for it's age. Body very straight, complete w/all trim, hubcaps, etc. Car has been parked for 4 years after it experienced an electrical short in the main engine compartment wiring harness. Had just been serviced at this time with new filters, oil, etc. Before short, car ran and drove very well, smoked very little for a diesel. The wife absolutely loved it and hates to see it go, but have too many projects right now. Wiring problem could easily be fixed with patience and time. Clear title. $800 obo

 

Here are some more pics seller sent me. doesnt look to good, looks like it melted alot?
wonder how much a harness would cost used or new?

 

I wonder if the engine was properly prepped prior to allowing it to sit? Somehow I doubt it. With any engine that has sat outside for more than a year expect to absorb the cost of a full rebuild. The rings will have rusted pits in the cylinder walls and they are probably stuck in the piston grooves. The oil will have turned acidic due to the introduction of condensation with the change of seasons and other internal parts are likely rusty as well. Additionally, I'm pretty sure I see some mouse foot prints there. Lord knows what those little buggers have chewed up. Any work that was done before it was allowed to sit is basically irrelevant. All of it will have to be redone. I'm sure with a new wiring harness, some fresh fuel and an oil change it will start right up, but all those rusty parts will score every surface they come in contact with and if you get 1000 miles out of it before you're forced to rebuild it, I'd be very surprised.

I used to hear this all the time when I owned a motorcycle repair shop, "It ran when I parked it!" Yeah, ten years ago, big deal. It needs a rebuild now in order to run properly and safely.