Mercedes 240 D "Barn" Find (longish)

[wilke3169]

We ll it wasn't in a barn and I didn't find it but...
My mom bought this car over 10 years ago and never drove it. It sat in her back yard in the Charleston weather until now. Now she tells me, "take it if you want and see if you can get it running."
I think it will be a good project. After airing up the tires and pulling it out of the hole it created for itself, it really isn't in bad shape. Note too others, before you assume the brakes are locked up, check the parking brake... There are a few small rust spots, one at the rear window the other at a piece of body side molding. The battery box is rusted out and the trunk area behind the right rear wheel also.
It did roll. I did nothing with the engine feeling a tear down and re-seal would be a minimum.
I did rebuild my 911 (engine, brakes, suspension, etc. etc.) but know nothing about diesel.
Any opinions are welcomed. Anyone have good sites for parts, info. etc?
I need books too.

Thanks,

Kevin

[nota]

I bet the fuel system is full of bugs [bacteria ]
the stuff loves to eat diesel and looks like black sludge
there are tank cleaners that kill it [ boat stores]
but invest in a handful of the little filters
as even after a good cleaning they will clog

my 300sd was a sitter and got the bugs bad
but no oil leaks or seal problems
it just needed frequent filter swaps

so clean the tank replace all the fuel
run the cleaner as a fuel additive
and get it running before doing the seals

[VincentVega]

Check the fuel lines between the injectors and the primer at the pump for leaks. Door actuators leak a lot too and the car wont want to shutoff. Most consumables are simple to replace, cheap and can be found at most parts stores.

[vonsmog]

Kevin,
What year? I might be getting a 83' 300D for a parts car for my son's 85' 300D with 5 speed. He needs the seats and a few small parts. The rest will be parted out and sold. The car runs well, but the trans. is shot. Let me know if you need any parts, or a good running turbo motor.

[island911]

Expect the fuel tank to have a line of rust. Yes, as nota notes, expect lots of filter changes...

[wilke3169]

Thanks to everyone. I will plan to drain, replace fluids and check for leaks, bugs, etc.
Von, It is a 1983. Likely I will be looking for parts. Keep me in mind.

Kevin