About to buy my first G

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Sun, 22/05/2011 - 18:22
johnnytheboy
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Joined: 22.05.2011
Location: Falkirk

Hi There,

I am based in falkirk in Scotland and I'm about to buy my first G, I have been over and seen it this afternoon, its a 1989 230.

Seems to be a couple of problems with it, most importantly there is an alternator/belt/charging problem, secondly a wee bit of corrosion around the body, from the looks of it on the forum these are all known areas, back door, windscreen surround, sills etc and a water leak into the drivers front ns footwell, I guess is conected to the screen surround.

Think this is about to be an interesting journey.

Is there anything else to look out for on these trucks???

Kind Regards

John

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Tue, 24/05/2011 - 09:07
#1
Jdring
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Joined: 12.04.2004
Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: About to buy my first G

Hi there John,
Good luck with the G.
From the sounds of it, this G needs some work...not sure how prominent the rust is, but from your description my gut feel was that this G is only a couple of £k worth? 
I have a 87' G230 GES and its always driven just like a car - very smooth.  So obviously you need to be happy with the drive.  MB exhausts are expensive, so worth listening to that - probably can't tell if its just about to go, but if its blowing now it will get worse.
Check if the fan blower works... one of the first things to seize because of water ingress through the bonnet air duct being blocked with leaves and gunk etc.  Its a long job to get the dash out and replace with a £130 replacement.
The water in the footwells might have caused some undercarpet problems, but to be honest mine has been solid and had the leak on and off for a long time - its normally through the worn wiper spindles. 
Petrol tank corrosion is another potential one to look at.
Check the diff locks work, they are hydraulic and the lights should work when engaged.
Gearbox should be bullet proof - I assume its the 5 speed manual.  Might be a bit notchy in say 2nd, but not a problem.
Drivers seat might be wearing on entry/exit.
Bottle jack under seat might leak or be missing.

Others know a lot more.  I don't get my hands dirty enough to know the details, but had my same G for 20 years now - amazing really.

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Sat, 28/05/2011 - 18:37
#2
fredecosse
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Joined: 09.02.2004
Location: Edinburgh
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Re: About to buy my first G

 

Hi Johnny the boy,
How did you get on with the 230?? I am in your neck of the wood if it helps ...
Fred

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Sun, 29/05/2011 - 22:24
#3
johnnytheboy
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Joined: 22.05.2011
Location: Falkirk
Re: About to buy my first G

I have tried to post this loads of times but it keeps getting lost, I’ll try again!!!

Fred, Nice to meet you, I’m in Falkirk so not far away from you!! I’m trying to borrow an amp clamp to check the alternator before I attempt to move it.

Funnily jdring, I think you have summed up everything that is wrong with my old truck in one post lol. The only thing I haven’t checked is the diffs,

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