W116, BENZ AID - COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Diesel Fuel Mileage Expectations

What range of mileage do the 300TD wagons get. I just bought one a few weeks ago and the first tank was a little over 22mpg. Improvement ideas?? I'd like to really maximize fuel economy.

Chassis Model Number

W123

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185/R14 size tires

In the past, I've been able to buy 185/R14 Futura Euro Metric tires at Pep Boys. This is the original size for my 1980 300SD (though lower in speed rating). These tires, made by Cooper, are no longer available. If at all possible, I would prefer to stay with this original size because they are skinny, thus helping keep splashed water and road matter under the fenderwells. They are also less sensitive to minor variations in wheel alignment. Any ideas on where I can get my favorite size 185/R14, any brand?

Chassis Model Number

W116

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380SE white exhaust smoke at startup

w126 1985 380se white smoke exhaust after sitting and cold. white smoke goes away once engine is warmed up. someone told me that this indicates antifreeze in the cylinder. any suggestionws?

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Chassis Model Number

W126

450SL automatic not going into reverse

I have a 1978 450sl. The transmission will not move in reverse when cold, but will back up once it warmed up. Any suggestions other than replacing it?

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Chassis Model Number

R107

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Biodiesel engine noise, sluggish?

After installing a screen in my tank (it was missing and a large outlet pipe installed) my engine seemed noisier. Is this injecter pump noise? Now the car is loosing power after two days on biodiesel. The prefilter looks clean. Is my main filter clogging up already?

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Chassis Model Number

W123

Valve adjustment sounds

I just did a valve adjustment on my 80 300SD. None of the valves had enough clearance when I started so they were all adjusted following your guide and using your valve adjustment tools. I got everything back together and the engine started fine, actually it seems to fire up a bit more quickly.

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Chassis Model Number

W116

How to Start 300D 1981 (Newbie needs help!)

Just picked up a 1981 300D with 110,000 miles original engine (I hope). At the resellers lot, they had no problem (naturally) starting it many times for me--and I started it also and drove it home--about 35 miles. Had it garaged for about 1 week now and when I went to start it today, I am struggling. The temp. here today is about 50F--cooler by at least 15 degrees than when I purchased it. I am wondering if that is causing me problems. First off though, I am entirely new to starting a diesel, so my initial question has to do with 'how to start' the vehicle properly.

Chassis Model Number

W123

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240D speedometer howl

I have a 1981 240D with a speedometer that has recently begun to howl loudly. The speedometer works fine for awhile and then makes a clicking noise and begins to howl. It continues to indicate speed while howling. When I slow down almost to a complete stop, it seems to reset itself and the howling goes away for awhile. I'm thinking maybe the end of the shaft is worn and slightly rounded? Anyone run into this? I think my speedometer is ok since I just had it rebuilt a few months ago. Thanks, Andy

Chassis Model Number

W123

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accelerator linkage sticking

I have a strange issue with my '85 300DT. Sometimes the engine responds very crisply to minor pressure on the accelerator, sometimes it takes a heavier foot for the engine to respond. It almost feels as if the linkage was sticking or binding somehow. I checked the accelerator pedal, it was OK, but I replaced it with a new one anyway. No improvement. somebody told me to check a nut for tightness just under the manual shutoff lever, and it was tight. All ball joints in the linkage appear to be greased and move freely. Is there something special that needs to be done to this linkage?

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