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Buying a Classic Merc - Novice needs Help Please

  • 17-07-2008 5:18pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭


    Hi all

    Complete novice so be gentle please !

    I'm hoping to fulfill a lifelong ambition to own a classic Mercedes, I've been looking around and have come across one that fits the bill, when seeign it today the guy started it first time and it sounded fine and healthy to my (untrained) ears.

    However I noticed that the maybe 50% of the smoke coming out of the exhaust was white, not big clouds of it by any means but definitely more than just a few wisps.

    Is this normal for an older car, its a 1971 280sl merc automatic.

    Any advice or assistance would be very gratefully received.

    Thanks


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,318 ✭✭✭✭carchaeologist


    Could be head gasket? Though theres plenty of mercheads on here that will know for sure though!!


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    Does the white smoke appear just on startup - or after the car has warmed up too? The first I don't think is a big deal, but the second might be.

    I'm only asking questions for the expert advice to follow here though!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 813 ✭✭✭Kevin_Herron


    Could it be possible that your confusing the white smoke with condensation?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭MercMad


    Could it be possible that your confusing the white smoke with condensation?

    ...........thats the most likley cause. They run very rich on cold start (all the time in fact :D ) and there can be quite a bit of smoke.

    They are not known for head gasket issues at all. Do the usual checks though, oil filler cap, dipstick, rad water etc.....

    If they haven't seen use they can give valve stem oil seal/valve guide issues. Best to buy a car that sees regular use.

    Mechanically they are bulletproof, though the fuel injection has a lot of components that tend to get fiddled with by the uniformed and you end up so far away from where you need to be that parts start getting replaced for no reason.

    To be honest you'd be best to simply check thoroughly for rust. They had an underseal applied that gets hard and cracks allowing water in behind where it will do damage for years without being spotted. Give it a really good poke with a screwdriver to check for cruncy bits, wheelarches, behind the headlights, sills, and behind each wheel. generally where mud can get thrown up and settle, trapping moisture !

    Chrome parts and some trim is incredibly expensive but service parts are dirt cheap.All are readily available.

    Good luck !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭Bandara


    thanks all, especially merc-mad, very helpful

    i'm off to look at it again tonight. fingers crossed its a goodun


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,318 ✭✭✭✭carchaeologist


    Hammertime wrote: »
    thanks all, especially merc-mad, very helpful

    i'm off to look at it again tonight. fingers crossed its a goodun
    Best of luck,let us know how you get on!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Hammertime - PM sent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭Bandara


    Took some pics of it yesterday, just can't decide if I'll enjoy it enough to buy it, in a serious state of confusion now!



    front-1.jpg

    back.jpg

    Interior.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,318 ✭✭✭✭carchaeologist


    A big machine!!My mechanic was putting a diesel engine into one of those during the week,not a cheap car,and your garage will have to be big too!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭MercMad


    It looks clean and straight, why would you not enjoy it ??

    I use mine, a Coupe, almost every day, no problems !!

    It all boils down to money though, depends what they are asking and if you need to spend money on it. They are very practical, smooth and well up to modern environment !


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  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    MercMad wrote: »
    They are very practical, smooth and well up to modern environment !
    Shhh. Don't mention the environment!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭andreas_220D


    My mechanic was putting a diesel engine into one of those during the week...
    any pics?
    Mine's running with a diesel engine as well (OM 617.912).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,318 ✭✭✭✭carchaeologist


    any pics?
    Mine's running with a diesel engine as well (OM 617.912).
    If its still there when i go back il take a shot,it was an american imported car,but the engine was knackered,the engine was the 2litre diesel that was installed.


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