Hi. I'm Josiah. I recently picked up a 1977 240D. Got it at a steal for $600. I knew before I bought it that it would need some work. For example, when I went to pick it up we spent a good hour just trying to get it to fire up. It would crank and crank to no avail. Finally, as a last resort, hit it with some starting fluid and she fired right up. And when she runs, she runs; although, she needs some valve adjustments.

I got her home...no issues. About 3 hours later I figured I'd take her for a test run through town just to see how she'd do but she ended up only cranking. So now for this past week I've been going over the electrical, fuel, etc trying to figure out what is wrong. Here's what I've done so far...

Good
- replaced battery, main fuses (oem type)
- replaced inline & twist fuel filters
- blown out air filter
- injectors are receiving fuel
- reconnected breather hose
- made sure all accessible grounds are clear & have clean contact

Bad
- ***ONLY CRANKS; WON'T FIRE UP***
- glow plug light doesn't come on...ever!
- possibly missing the glow plug timer relay
- gauge cluster lights don't work : dimmer switch needs cleaned
- wipers don't work : motors might be shot
- rear defroster wires don't work but dash switch does : relay?
- radio doesn't work : planning to rewire whole audio system anyway
- horn doesn't work: haven't looked into this yet
- heat only works [correctly] on defrost : oh well...
- i have 2 unknown open connections under the dash :

1. power wire for dash lights is hanging loose : when i connect it it causes the battery & one other light to permanently stay lit whether the key is in or not
2. factory 2-pin connector near ignition switch/harness : yellowish-brown & black[?] wires with locking connector. I looked and looked but have no idea where it's to be plugged in!

Please help get this old girl running. I currently have parts such as seals, gaskets, filters, hoses, etc on back order. Once my paycheck comes in they'll be on their way then I can start replacing all the old rubber stuff.

 

Plans for her this winter:

- repair any body rust and spray in primer
- strip floors, repair rust, and spray sealer
--- install sound deadening & carpet come spring
--- install new spare tire cover, seal & carpet trunk
- replace rubber components, as needed
- rewire, as needed
--- move battery to trunk & add a 2nd
- replace exhaust & header; heat wrap, as needed
- install trailer hitch (gotta haul them mopeds somehow, right!?)
- install cb radio

 

hey how are you? just messaging because I grew up in Lititz, graduated in 1991 from warwick LOL. was just there last weekend.

 

How are you doing with the 77 240D. My reason for asking is I bought a 77 240D yesterday.

Plus I saw you are in Lititz and I grew up in Lebanon. Now live in San Diego.