Hi all,

I just purchased an 87 240GL from a FL dealer. Car seems to be in great shape, naturally body is great, everything works except Odom. I'm curious what members suggest I inspect, and perhaps as precautionary maint., replace when I get the vehicle home. I've owned 2 740s, so I have a good familiarity w/ the B230 engine, but I understand that 240s can be a breed on their own.

Any advice or suggestions are greatly welcomed and appreciated!

Mike

Make sure the oil separator is not clogged. If it's clogged the crankcase will not vent properly.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick On Blocks, stock; 86 240, 129K

Also check for hidden rust in the spare tire wells and in the floor trays underneath the carpets. My 87 was starting to get a little rusty there.

Brian

Replace all fluids, filters, belts, and other consumables whose condition cannot be determined from inspection (or for which inspection indicates a need for replacement, or for which inspection involves as much work as replacement), unless you have reliable documentation on recent enough replacement (probably not if the odometer isn't working).

Inspect for leaks and other problems as noted by other replies.

Fix the odometer so that you can follow the maintenance schedule starting from when you did the above things.

If it is a wagon, verify that the tire size is correct. If the manual or labels say 185R14, make sure that the tires are that size or 195/75R14, not 185/70R14. The latter size is significantly smaller, and will cause the speedometer and odometer (if fixed) to be significantly off, and will reduce the load capacity of the car. Of course, while checking the tires, check the air pressure and condition of all tires, including the spare.

Congratulations!
Only have a minute Mike...but here's the overview. If you've had 740's w/B230, I find both cars VERY similar mechanically. Aside from the obvious such as replacing the timing belt if you're not sure it was done recently...make certain teh frain holed for the trunk surround aren't clogged...and go throughout the car with an aerosol can of white lithium grease to attack all hinges. The odo problem is most likely a broken nylon gear in the gauge which can be replaced in about an hour...see posts...As with any car...clean the engine thoroughly (I use gunk engine cleaner on a warm - NOT HOT engine) with a stiff paint brush...and lightly mist the engine with a water hose once it cools completely. A clean engine will let you monitor and address any leaks. Also, you'll want to clean/replace tghe flame trap, as a dirty one (or hoses leading to it) can cause seal failure and oil leakage. Best of Luck - Dennis.
'66 122
'89 240
'90 240

COmplete tune up: plugs, cap, rotor, wires, air filter
CLean the throttle body (gasket is like 80 cents) with carb cleaner
Replace oil cap gasket (another $1)
Locate, replace, or re-solder the fuel pump relay. This will leave you stranded. It's under the passenger side of the dash, by the firewall, a white box 1X2 inches. It has a date code stamped on it- replace if over 5 yrs old.
Inspect big air bellows hose for holes while cleaning throttle body.
Look for oil leaks: front engine seals (3), rear main seal, valve cover, transmission tailshaft seal, diferential pinion seal. They're probably ALL leaking some, but if it's bad enough to leave a puddle, it's time to fix things.
Replace the flame trap, holder, and hose ($2.50 from FCP Groton) and clean all other hoses out - more carb cleaner

Inspect front suspension carefully: use a pry bar and check ball joints, tie rod ends inner and outer, wheel bearings, big control arm bushings

Inspect rear suspension trailing arm bushings- if it sags in the back or clunks, they're shot. Cheap parts, but a good hours labor per side to install.

Check all the brakes for wear. Replace any rotors that are warped and any pads that are below 1/2 thickness. (They start out about 3/8 inch thick). Brake replacement is pretty easy on a 240.

Good luck and enjoy your 240.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 88 744GLE, 91 244: 808K total