I have a '84 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel. That thing will keep running after an EMP. It’ll even keep running when I take the key out (I got a vac system leak somewhere). I’m going to cry when that thing dies. It’s so not fussy either. Radiator instructions: “Try to use clean water.”
MIDItheKID@lemmy.world 7 months ago
Hah. I drove an '85 300D Turbo diesel in the early 2000s. That thing was a fucking tank. I had to eventually get rid of it because the body was rusting apart. The engine still ran, and likely would have until the end of time. I extended the life a but by bolting metal rails under the seats to keep them from falling through the car into the road.
I miss that thing.
Taniwha420@lemmy.world 7 months ago
Hey, do you recall what it was that was causing it? I’m pretty sure there is a leak in the vac system somewhere because the engine not stopping coincides with the door locks not working.
Yeah, and I’m doing the same thing: popping the hood and hitting that ‘STOP’ switch to kill the fuel supply.
Mine was babied until I got it 6 years ago. I live in a place now that uses lots of road salt. I made a decision at one point: I can’t afford to baby it, so I’m going to drive it to death. I’m going to mourn when it dies. I wish they still make simple cars like that. Ironic it was such a luxury back in the day. Pretty sure I’ve got the original receipt and it was bought for $38 000 in '84.
MIDItheKID@lemmy.world 7 months ago
I actually reached out to my father to ask about this because the machanic was a buddy of his so I thought he might have some info. It was indeed a vac system issue.
I also live in a heavily salted area, so yeah. Rust did the body in before the engine went out. When you finally retire yours, make sure to pop the “Turbo Diesel” decal from the back of it. I still have mine sitting on a desk at my parents house. A nice memento of my many good years in that car.
Taniwha420@lemmy.world 7 months ago
Yup. That’s the drill. It’s so reliable it won’t stop without direct interference.