Here's a response I got to my massive craigslist "diesel wanted" postings:
"I have a 1974 Mercedes Diesel 240D with a manual transmission that I want to sell. The car does run but currently does not drive as the slave cylinder for the clutch has just kicked the bucket or is clogged really bad.The previous owner was a fool and never bled out the brake system. I bleed the system when I got the car. It ran perfectly fine for several months. Then I left on a trip to Canada for a month and when I come back I pressed the clutch to start the car and the pedal became stuck. I have tried to bleed the clutch system out but there is either a bad clog or the slave cylinder has crapped out. So the clutch pedal is stuck to the floor. As for that thought the engine was recently rebuilt, the brakes are good,clutch is great and tires have 65% tread left. The exterior is straight with faded creme paint. The interior is brown with very comfortable peugeot seats.I also recently replaced the glow plugs and all the drive belts. If you are interested in the vehicle I can take some pictures and we can discuss it further."
At $600 it's a steal, but the car is a couple hundred miles away so I would need to repair it on the spot or hire a mechanic. Since my mechanical skill level is about a 2 out of 10 and I have very little money, would this be a wise trip to make? It sounds really simple, but so do a lot of complicated repairs.
"I have a 1974 Mercedes Diesel 240D with a manual transmission that I want to sell. The car does run but currently does not drive as the slave cylinder for the clutch has just kicked the bucket or is clogged really bad.The previous owner was a fool and never bled out the brake system. I bleed the system when I got the car. It ran perfectly fine for several months. Then I left on a trip to Canada for a month and when I come back I pressed the clutch to start the car and the pedal became stuck. I have tried to bleed the clutch system out but there is either a bad clog or the slave cylinder has crapped out. So the clutch pedal is stuck to the floor. As for that thought the engine was recently rebuilt, the brakes are good,clutch is great and tires have 65% tread left. The exterior is straight with faded creme paint. The interior is brown with very comfortable peugeot seats.I also recently replaced the glow plugs and all the drive belts. If you are interested in the vehicle I can take some pictures and we can discuss it further."
At $600 it's a steal, but the car is a couple hundred miles away so I would need to repair it on the spot or hire a mechanic. Since my mechanical skill level is about a 2 out of 10 and I have very little money, would this be a wise trip to make? It sounds really simple, but so do a lot of complicated repairs.