1986 240 DL Prioritizing repairs

mhgreen · Post by **mhgreen** » 28 Dec 2014, 12:54

Hello all.

My 86 240 dl needs plenty of TLC (repairs), and I really don't know where to start. Money is the most limiting variable, which I am sure many of you can relate to. Here is what I have done so far, what I know needs done, and some issues that have persisted during my ownership. I am looking for guidance on which direction to move next. As the post subject expresses, I am seeking help prioritizing further maintenance/repairs.

B230f, Automatic trans, Bosch LH jet 2.2

DONE SO FAR:
- spark plugs, cap, rotor (I'll be doing the wires in a week or so)
- major oil leak repairs… flame trap, valve cover gasket, camshaft seal
- oil change, filter replacement
- air filter replaced
- MAF cleaned
- Throttle body cleaned
- Brake pads all around
- new tires

WHAT I KNOW NEEDS DONE:
- radiator hoses upper and lower, flush coolant
- drain and fill transmission fluid
- rear trailing arm bushings
- transmission mount
- brake junction block

ISSUES THAT NEED ATTENTION:
- poor MPG
- rough idle on first start of day (shaking, struggling, but no stall)
- hard shift from 1 to 2
- clunk in rear/center of car when taking off from or coming to complete stop
- "whirring" sound from rear axle when rolling

mhgreen · Post by **mhgreen** » 05 Jan 2015, 17:41

Update…

- I did a drain and fill of the transmission fluid (3x). Fluid looks good and level is correct
- Radiator hoses will be replaced in a few days, along with spark plug wires
- Cleaned IAC valve

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 05 Jan 2015, 19:32

Poor MPH may be related to the poor cold start issue. You didn't mention checking the engine temp sensor.

mhgreen · Post by **mhgreen** » 05 Jan 2015, 22:02

lummert wrote:Poor MPH may be related to the poor cold start issue. You didn't mention checking the engine temp sensor.

Is that synonymous with the fuel injection temperature sensor?

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 05 Jan 2015, 22:21

mhgreen wrote:
lummert wrote:Poor MPH may be related to the poor cold start issue. You didn't mention checking the engine temp sensor.

Is that synonymous with the fuel injection temperature sensor?

Yes.

mhgreen · Post by **mhgreen** » 05 Jan 2015, 22:26

Alright. Thank you. I will check it. I know that a new sensor is cheap anyways.

Post by **rgk** » 06 Jan 2015, 02:47

Except for the transmission issue, it doesn't sound like any of these repairs are too dire, it sounds like you're doing a good job at preventative maintenance.

For your first cold start, try starting the car with the MAF unplugged. If it starts OK, you know the MAF is bad.

The clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle may be a bad U-joint at the driveshaft. This may also account for the whirring sound.

mhgreen · Post by **mhgreen** » 06 Jan 2015, 09:40

Great advice. Started it up this morning with the MAF disconnected, and sure enough, idled like a champ. Here is my question - what is the cheapest way to replace this part? EBay? And do other years/models work on mine?

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 06 Jan 2015, 09:45

I would be looking for a good used OE AMM (offical name of your MAF)

Post by **rgk** » 06 Jan 2015, 11:22

So glad it worked! Yes, junkyard parts are most cost-effective, but also always a gamble: the part may be in just as bad of shape as yours, or soon on its way out. Still, OEM is the only way to go when purchasing MAFs.

Yes, EBay is an option and other years/models may be compatible with yours. Search through EBay and try to match the number printed on your MAF.