280GE buying advice PLEASE

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mutters
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Joined: 04.03.2012

Hi,

Looking to buy a 280GE and was hoping for some little advice, the current owner said that he has noticed a ticking noise on full steering lock anyone got any suggestions what this could be?

One other thing was petrol fumes in the cab on full tank of petrol?

Any advice would be very much apprecated as this is my first G wagen and dont want to make a huge mistake.

Regards

tony.bruegger
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Joined: 31.10.2010
Location: Somerset
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Re: 280GE buying advice PLEASE

Go steady with this one could be good but the fumes are most likely to be from failing side fuel tanks wh can be a heartbreak to fix.Clicking on full lock not always a worry ,maybe just normal u/j wear....mechanical can always be done ,the Rust is much harder esp. if deep seated corrosion ,doors sills ,pillars,body mounts,. Advice ? Get a G person to look...TB

Pistonhead
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Joined: 17.12.2006
Location: Loughborough
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Re: 280GE buying advice PLEASE

Fumes on a full tank suggests a leaking fuel tank, most probably due to the top of the tank being corroded. 

The corrosion is usual to the area where the exhaust crosses over the tank due to moisture being retained by the heat shield matting.  Depending on chassis number, metal tanks are not available any longer, you have to replace this with a plastic tank with additional parts needed to fit.  Alternatively, the metal tank can be refurbished by specialist companies.

The power steering pump ticking at full lock sounds a little odd to me, they usually screech.  No damage will occur with the screech as long as you do not keep the full lock prolonged.  But to go on, there is a ticking noise that does occur at full lock provided the vehicle is in motion; that is the noise from the C V joint.

To buy one of these, you do need to know what to look for and most of all, be patient.  I am not sure any longer but there used to be a section on buying advice on the forum some where, read that.  If not PM to me and I will draft you some tips to read, to do this will take a few days, let me know, if you are serious.

cheers,