Today I drove 375 kms round trip for yet another C223 to replace the tired one in the Sonoma, which has over 500,000 kms on it now. Since last winter, after a major snowstorm, and very cold temps (for here), I had a very difficult time firing up the truck. After burning out a set of glow plugs, and jumping the battery from another running vehicle, lots of ^$%#&@* and a bit of ether, I finally got it to go. Ever since, it has been tough to start.
Lately, when the temps are near freezing, with two heaters plugged in (the block heater and an inline heater) for 3 hours, I STILL have to glow it to get it to light up. Great, if it's plugged in. There are certainly places where it cannot be plugged in. And temps a lot lower. Runs fine after it starts and runs for a minute. As a matter of fact, it never worked as well as it did today. Go figure. Does it know? Can it sense it's future demise? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, this motor is claimed to have only about 160,000 kms on it. Since it was out of the truck, and the truck was long gone, I can't verify this. However, there are signs of hope, such as paint where my other two don't have paint, and believe it or not, the pump setting security wire is actually there and unbroken!! It's the first diesel I've owned where someone hasn't fooled with the pump adjustment. The clutch looks good, the alt isn't seized, and neither is the vacuum pump, starter, power steering pump, or the primer on the fuel pump. Yep, it's all there, including the wiring harness, and 5 speed transmission. Even the glow plugs have a good draw to them.
Now, the price? I got this for $400, no tax. Of course, it means little if the motor is poop. BTW, if this tranny is original, then the gearing should be lower, at least in first and second, which will be good for hauling the Kubota.
Ok, enough rambling.
Just thought I'd share with you all. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />