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It took way too long, but the 242t is finally running again! I started this back in February and then had to take time out for hand surgery, but today the finishing touches were put on, oil and coolant added and she started right up after her long winter slumber. It still has the oil-cooled turbo and no intercooler, so it's not all that quick, but pulls strong to redline and seems to make good boost. The tranny shifts well but the od is inoperative. I love driving this car, it's fun having a manual trans and a cable clutch again.
The suspension feels good, no clunks in the steering or front end.
Removed and cleaned the intake manifold, TB and IAC. Replaced all vacuum hoses, water hoses, temp sensors, thermal time switch, water pump, wiring harness, throttle cable, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, injectors, seals, boost gauge and turbo hoses. Cleaned out the oil breather box and replaced the "o" ring. Replaced front brake rotors and pads.
So far, after about an hour of driving around bedding in the new brakes, there are no puddles under the car, and it still starts with a mere touch of the key, so I guess it's time to drag it into the shop and see if she'll pass a smog test. She does seem to be running rich.
Last year, the son of the previous owner replaced the timing belt, tensioner and seals, motor and trans mounts, drive belts, battery and tires in a bid to get the car back on the road. Unfortunately, it had sat for 7 years and all the rubber was rotting, as was the wiring harness, and the car was full of leaves. I got the car in January and set about repairing years of owner neglect. This guy had a world class collection of Mercedes cars in a climate controlled garage, but the brick sat outside...she has a garage now.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading ;-) I just had to tell someone who would appreciate it and to say thanks the many folks here who helped with suggestions and advice.
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don hodgdon '89 744ti, '81 242t, '71 D-35
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