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rozinante

Hello all

In the absence of a manual for my Merc 207d 1985, can anyone tell me the oil capacities for engine, gearbox & diff.

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Steven

AutoK

Hi rozinante.
Welcome to the site.
I can give you details of the Merc 208/308 engine OM601.
I am sure it's the same as the 207/307 series, Merc don't change specs very often.
Engine Oil capacity 6.5 ltrs
Gearbox 2.3 ltrs
Diff 1.5 ltrs or 1.8 ltrs dependent on model.

With the gearbox just fill with oil into the side level plug until oil runs out,
same with rear axle.
Filler plugs and drain plugs can be quite tight 14mm hex on mine.

Hope this helps.

AutoK.

rozinante

Thanks for that AutoK.

I am a little bewildered by the different models of merc vans. Have been looking at as many as I can (market traders seem to love em) but apart from the 207D being the smallest, I can't detect a pattern.

I thought I had detected that 20? 30? etc related to wheel base, then I saw a swb 407.

Can anyone clarify this naming convention?

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Steven

AutoK

Hi Steven
The Mercedes LCV range 207/307 was introduced about 1979 and known as the T1 they remained unchanged until about 1969 when Mercedes did a face lift if you can call it that, they improved the engine, lowered the capacity from 2.4ltr to 2.3ltr, fitted a duplex timing chain, and probably some more changes, but not sure about these.
They renamed the T1 series 208/308 etc.
From what I can gather 20 and 30 refers to the GVW and the /8 is the engine.
The 208 can be had in short wheelbase or long wheelbase,
and from 2.6t GVW 2.8t, and 3.08t GVW
with 2.3ltr engine om601
The 308 uses the same 2.3ltr eng with short wheelbase or long with a GVW of 3.5t
The 408 has a GVW of 3.5t but exra long wheelbase and twin rear wheels.
The 310 is a 308 but with the bigger 5 pot engine om602
GVW 3.5t.
Ive had mine for 8 years done over 200k miles still on the same timing chain, no problems whatsoever, I just service it every 10k miles (Millers XFE).
These engines are absolutely superb, bodywork rusting around bottom of the side load door (this is common).

Kieran.

rozinante

Thanks again Kieran. That will help when looking for parts.

Could you just clarify the date of introduction of duplex chain for me? Would be glad to know that I don't have a belt to worry about.

Any tips for removing/replacing the alternator. I've done it once and it was a right pain. Ended up having alternator, adjusting plate and mounting bracket partially dismantled to get it out. There must be an easier way. I will be removing it again to have it modified for leisure charging.

Also, on fitting a replacement dash, I found a disconnected cable I am led to believe could be for ignition advance & retard. Can you give me an idea of its operation & use. Also as it appears that the previous owner did not use it, how important is it?

Any advice appreciated as I have no experience of deisel's of this age.

AutoK

Hi Steven.
The 207/307 series used a timing chain (single row)
the change was, as far as I know with the 208/308 series, so all 208/308 have the duplex chain, as well as the petrol version.
I am not sure when the chain should be replaced, I have heard people say at 120k miles, but as I said I have had no problems at 200k miles.

Can't really help with the alternator, I remember changing the poly v belt on mine, what a job!!! these have an auto tensioner fitted, I had to use a crow bar to lever the alternator in order to slip the belt off/on!!!!!!!!
I would think the dealer mechs have a special tool.
Sorry can't help with the ignition lead.
The service manual for these is on CD rom (at a cost) from dealers,
but I believe Ruseck (I think thats the name) do a service manual for these vans.

Cheers.
Kieran.

Malc

Hi,
With my limited knowledge of 608/609/709 Mercs, there was an engine idle adjuster on the dash, if thats any help. The item could be screwed in or out to vary the tickover.
Malc

twodogs

you can get the a manual off ebay covering this modal have a look at the mercedes section under manuals its at six days at the moment .
I use it for my 410d but it covers servicing on most older modals.
all the best
Twodogs

rozinante

Thanks all.

I have got a bid in on that manual Twodogs. I've tried to order this twice from Holland but keep having trouble with them not recognizing my card number for some reason.

Any one got any good bodges for rear door check straps?

I only have the flappy rubber straps on mine. Think I need something like a bent coat hanger to connect rubber straps to brackets on doors. I haven't got the brackets either though, any ideas. They are not the sort of little bits breakers bother with and the days of roaming round yards for bits like this seem long gone unfortunately.

I am hoping that they are malleable hinges as they are getting a bit stressed by the doors slamming back un checked Sad

Thanks again
Steven

rozinante

Thanks again all. I have now got a Russek manual.

It covers 207D, 307D, 210D, 410D, 208D, 308D, 310D & 408D.
2.3, 2.4 & 2.9 litre diesels.

If anyone else needs similar info please ask.

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Steven

loggo

Could I add two questions to the foregoing topic as the respondents seem well versed in Mercedes 208 etc ?
Firstly what are the recommended oils for the engine, diff and gearbox ?

Secondly and a little more complicated. I wish to add a scooter platform to the rear of my Autotrail Apache (on a 1993 208 chassis) - will the chassis accommodate this ? Things are complicated as there is an extension a few feet beyond the "normal" cahssis ending so a propiatory towbar + scooter platform will not do the trick. Has anyone any idea of where I go next please ??