[Vwdiesel] Mercedes diesels

[James Hansen]

William J Toensing wrote:
> Got a local lead on an '81 300SD for only $400. He said it was in
> nice shape except for a "blowen head gasket" which he said resulted
> from overheating, & "the engine just stopped". He said the engine
> turns over but won't start but car is otherwise in nice condition.
> Somehow, I sence there is more than a blown head gasket although I
> haven't looked at the car yet. I guess I should look at it but I
> wonder if I am being overly paranoid? What would a good used engine &
> transmission cost?

To hot seize a benz means it's got warped cylinder walls.

If you can find another cheap one, you could probably use the motor, and 
part out the rest and recoup your investment.  SD's are nice... if they 
don't have issues.  Shoot, for 400 bucks, you're just barely buying the 
climate control servo if it's any good.
see:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-BENZ-AC-SERVO-107-116-123-450SL-280E-300D-240D_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33545QQhashZitem280068109869QQihZ018QQitemZ280068109869QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Check with a local auto wrecker, or one in Phoenix, there's lots of them 
there last time I was through, but the sandy environment seems to eat 
the rings up sooner than most.
-james