Hi Everyone,
My daughter just bought her first car last night, a silver 244 GLT non-turbo. Everything seems to work well on it and I'll starting going over things further this weekend. First thing I noticed is there are a pair of cut wires just behind the R headlight - looks like they used to go to a sensor on the radiator on the top right. The car registers temperature from the block sensor, so I'm unsure what this is for. I do see a reference online to a sensor for an electric fan, but this has the clutched mechanical fan...

She's going to get new tires, and I'll probably order the IPD tune up kit to cover the wires, plugs, timing belt, etc.

I used to have an '86 245DL when she was born, so this is bringing back some old memories with these cars. :)

Cheers,
Dan

Saturday I cleaned the MAF sensor, Idle Air Control valve and the throttle body all with the correct cleaners. What a difference! Idle doesn't threaten to stall the car, and there's definitely more power and smoothness. I'm guessing better gas mileage too.

Still lots of little things to go over and some to replace; we're getting there slowly but surely.

Alot of models had both fans. Electric behind the grill in front of radiator. PO could have removed it. They were prone to rusted seizure.
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Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

The electric fan in front of the radiator is for the AC. Only turns on when the AC is on.

The radiator may be a replacement with a temp sensor that is not needed. No electric main cooling fan in a 240, as far as I know.

Here are some basic high mileage tips I found useful...

HIGH MILEAGE MAINTENANCE
Replace all of the sensors (MAF, ECT, O2, don't worry about the knock sensor) if they are original
Flush coolant, trans, diff, steering, and brakes.
Install in-line filter (Magnefine or the like) on the power steering and trans (if automatic).
Get a trans cooler (if auto)
Fuel filter
All rubber lines - coolant and fuel especially
Ignition Tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor)
Clean out the PCV system, throttle body, and IAC
Clean up the fuse block and replace any of the junky plastic-bodied fuses with ceramic
Check/adjust valve clearance

And I suggest FCP for parts. IPD is a good company and all, but FCP is cheaper across the board.

And if you are doing the timing belt, be sure to change the belt pulley as well (especially if you do not know when it was last changed). OEM parts for the belt and pulley are worth the investment. Do the oil seals while you have the front open too.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the info.

So on the electric fan, it should go on automatically when the A/C is on regardless of temp?

I was planning to do the t-belt, tensioner and the oil seals. I have the MAF and throttle body cleaners ready for next weekend. Oil was done recently. The fuel filter and oil separator (intake gasket too) are on my short list of things to address. Pulled all plugs added anti-sieze and put the wires back on with dielectric grease - wires look almost new. Cap and rotor are on a short list because of some carbon scoring which I addressed with emery cloth for the time being.

We got the ABS to stop lighting up by cleaning the sensors and rings on the front - yeah! And it works - got to test it in the rain yesterday - car stops pretty good!

Overall, these are easier to work on than I remember from some 20 years ago. :) I'm looking forward to getting this in top shape for her. She conditioned the black leather Sunday and it's really looking good - only 1 back seat seam is split - no tears.

I personally would add a good water pump to the replacement list. It is never easier than when you have the front of the engine stripped of everything else.

The FAQ's have very helpful information on all of the work that has been suggested. You really don't want to have to go back and do it again because you didn't read helpful procedure advice before hand.

Good luck
Randy