db4690, do you know if antibiotics/anti-fungicides (just kidding) or cleansers of any kind are available specifically for treating the junk notorious for infecting diesel fuel tanks? I wonder what bleach would do, or ammonia, or gasoline? Too bad they can’t be opened and sandblasted or scoured. I know there are additives like “Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide” that supposedly retard organic microorganisms from interfering with diesel fuel performance, but what about tank cleansing?
Used an air-powered wire brush in the trunk to remove some surface rust to prepare it for rust restoration treatment. This product calls for a simple two step deal. Remove surface rust and brush on.
I am kind of surprised and pleased that vinegar is doing such a good job on the car glass.
Is that right? db4690 just encouraged me to try to do it on my own if the tank’s condition isn’t too bad. Safety concern for physical health from doing a diesel tank? And future engine health? Your response surprises me texases and I thank you for it. I will think carefully about your suggestion. Started googling tank restoration. Quite a bit out there.
A pro has equipment and chemicals to fully clean the inside of the tank. If you miss something, it could plug up your expensive injection system, or at least the expensive filter. And a closed tank with diesel fumes isn’t the best thing to be working with. Up to you, of course. I’d go with a pro.
This could be an “out of pocketbook” experience for you. You are at the mercy of Mercedes mechanics and Mercedes parts, and these will not be cheap, or you will take your chances with someone who wants to learn how to do it, using your money. “Built like no other,” you betcha.
Key in the Mercedes Benz Club of America’s website and look at some of the articles in their “Star” magazine about restoring a car like yours (it isn’t easy, even with a specialized shop at your service). Then, talk with an experienced older-Mercedes mechanic off the record and listen to what they say. Finally, consider if your '82 TD is a classic that might make this investment pay off.
You can buy tens of thousands of cars with the same money you will spend on this vehicle, and have a far better car in any relevant category including fun-to-drive. You can always buy some leather fragrance or diesel-fume spray if that part of the car appeals to you!
Who cares about manufacturing defects with the 603 engine . . .
You’ve got a 617 engine
The two have virtually nothing in common
You should know that, because earlier you posted a bunch of propaganda glorifying your car. I think it was a straight out “cut and paste” . . . correct?
Help me db4690! Help me! I’m in big trouble. I’m a flippin and a floppin. I don’t know what’s goin on. Help me! Ya hear me db4690! Big big trouble. I don’t know what’s up!
Here’s another suggestion: make a clock with one of the hubcaps, place the three-pointed hood ornament onto a plaque to hang in your “man-cave,” put one of the seats in your den, or mount the dash or the steering wheel somewhere. Keep some photos, both of the car when it was young and in its current condition.
This will be a more suitable remembrance of your old car. Then, remember that all things are transient, and that your car is being recycled usefully (I assume you’d donate it to NPR or the Kidney Foundation, or whatever).
@uncleharry - nothing wrong with being a ‘true believer’, just don’t expect anyone to pay you for it when you’re done, including other ‘true believers’. Stories of unbelievable MD diesel life spans aren’t born out by the evidence. Sure, there may be a few, but if you go to cars.com and search for extremely high mile MB diesels, there aren’t that many.
Fun working on the old bomb and got much of the floor and sides of the trunk wire brushed and coated with rust converter. Next. Will empty fuel tank and remove it. Will be cleaned thoroughly. Will check/clean or replace fuel filter and inspect hoses for signs of disintegration.
Who cares about manufacturing defects with the 603 engine . . . not I!
You’ve got a 617 engine…Are ya sure?
The two have virtually nothing in common…made by Mercedes/human beings
You know, when I get through with this disaster, I’m gonna know enough about repairing Mercedes to drive my daughters Solara
Watch out ladies and gentlemen. I might actually follow through and try to get the old beast back on the road and if I do, no place on earth will be safe
I wish I could click “agree” when I say something with at least a smidgen of truth in it, like, “I am completely out of my mind!” You know? Seems only fair. (Who said that?)
100% certainty . . . 603 engine wasn’t available in US W126 chassis until at least 1986 model year
603 is straight 6, much more modern design, versus your 617 straight 5. The 603 is not at all based on the 617. They started from scratch. It’s in the same family as the 601 and 602
The 603 is also much more desirable . . . please don’t take it the wrong way
Thanks db4690, but I was only kidding. One of the few things I actually was aware of was the engine number! When the old girl decided to take a break, the engine was running beautifully. Appreciate your and everyone’s interest and advice. Like you said, I may be able to get her started for a few hundred bucks and that would be too cool. Since I know so little about cars, depending on feedback from others and from what I read, it reminds of the time I tried brain surgery on myself. Didn’t fix anything and only left a bloody mess, but it was fun.
@uncleharry You have our sympathy and moral support. However, none of us would recommend you try anything dangerous or something that will financially ruin you. Jay Leno will be the first to admit that restoring cars is a losing proposition. And he can afford to do anything. Your car had the distinction of being the subject of an article in Car and Driver called “Life in the Slow Lane”.
A lady in our Hiking group bought a Camaro new in the early 90s. She wants to keep it running as a daily driver, but things keep falling off, although the power train is OK. But good body part are hard to get Pick Your Part. I reluctantly had to explain that every car reaches a point where the expense and hassle dictate you part company.
