[kbbenz78]

I just got a 78 diesel mbz. (some back ground) 212,000 miles. From gathering information from where I got the car the heads were re-done (and some other minor work). I don't know of any transmission work but my father in law is looking for the service records today. I was wondering if the following was normal for this car. The oil pressure gauge, in idle, is somewhere under 30 but when I accelerate the gauge shoots up to the highest pressure (45) and looks like it could go higher if the pin where not there. Is this normal?

I also have a slow oil leak coming from the oil pan and another small leak coming from a box (maybe transmission) about 2 or 3 feet behind the oil pan. Is this something that can be worked on at home or do you generally have to take mbz in to get repaired? I've heard that when you fix one leak the engine finds another weak point to leak from, is this true and how should I handle the leaks?

Any recommendations on what type of oil to use?

Last question: Is there some links to manuals or websites that can help me better understand maintaining this type vehicle?

Thanks
kb

 

[pondscum007]

my oil pressure gauge is all over the place depending on how much i press the accelerator ...

my oil pressure gauge is all over the place depending on how much i press the accelerator pedal, pretty sure thats normal... as for oil 15W-40 is the way to go

 

[zoran]

Hi, there. As far as your oil pressure you should be ok. In my car it will sit at about 20 but is goes up when the car starts going witch is what you want to see. In the manual for MBZ it lists that during idle the pressure can drop as low as 04 but I never seen it that low. As far as oil leak you need to clean the underside and find out as to where is the leak originating, then you can decide do you want to tackle this job or take it to the shop. All the MBZ leak oil it's the charm of the car......[]

 

[wdba123190]

I use Mobil One synth 15-50, but if yr leaking much oil it's better to use the cheaper s...

I use Mobil One synth 15-50, but if yr leaking much oil it's better to use the cheaper stuff[]. You happen to be at one of the best sources of w123 info so welcome to the family!
Other good people to talk to include Kent @ mercedessource.com. He has lots of neat manuals and kits to help the novice 123 do-it-yrself-er. For my part I recommmend the MB shop manuals for the car. They are pretty expensive but are indispensible if you plan doing very much work yourself.
Hope that was some help and good luck!
-M-

 

[kbbenz78]

Got some work done

The car just stalled this week. Come to find out the fuel pump went. So I had that replaced and went aheada and had the oil leak fixed. It was the seal to the crank case. I also had to get the light in the dashboard replaced.

I need to get a ciger lighter for the ash tray (soomeone removed it). My wife was driving the car when it stalled and her cell phone just happened to be on a dead battery. Not good. So I need to find a lighter piece to put in. Any one know where I can find parts like that?

78 300D