I am in the process of purchasing a 1991 240 Wagon that is coming out of an estate. The PO was redoing it for his wife to drive but his cancer killed him before he could get it done. The car is an AZ rust free car (unknown miles right now). The body has been repainted (all trim removed and some re installed) The trim is not a major concern... It was running in Aug, 2015 for its emission test which it passed. (Probably prior to start of restoration.)

However, there are a few things that are important details that I'd like your opinions on...
1) The auto trans is empty. Do I just fill it up and go or take the cover off and see if it's had a new filter installed and reinstall the pan?
2) The timing cover is off. Do I assume that all is well or go through the exercise to ensure the belt has been installed correctly and the timing is right?
3) The dash cluster and other components are not installed. Do I assume the wiring is OK and just start assembling things or how would I check it out.
4) I have no idea if the speedo / cluster or gauges work. (cluster is out currently) I suppose I could hook it up and see what happens.

This ought to be a fun winter project. Let's hear what you guys have to say...

Note: I'm in Wisconsin and going to be in AZ in a couple of weeks to take possession. The price was very right. Other collector friends found this for me and are corrupting me!!! When I get there I'll let you know more.

Pete

 

Here are my thoughts:
1) If the transmission is empty, change the filter now and then fill it.
2)Never assume with a timing belt but I believe the car simply will not start if the belt is on wrong with no damage to the engine. Other members should confirm this.
3)Not sure
4)Yes that might be cheapest way to test


Good Luck!

 

the 'filter' on the AW7x transmissions is just a metal screen, it can be inspected, and cleaned if neccessary. My bigger question is, if there's no ATF in the transmission, where did it go?

yes, the B230F is a non-interference motor unless the head/block has been shaved too much from previosu head gasket jobs... no damage should happen if its run with the belt in totally the wrong place. off by 1-2 teeth will result in awful performance. its not hard to check, so well worth doing so.

 

Trans fluid... We don't really know what the reason it's empty other than the PO had cancer and was working on the entire car (restoration including new paint) and perhaps left that detail until later... He was doing the car for his wife. Unfortunately, the cancer got to him before he could finish the car. Now it's my job to put it back together. It's mostly there... just some unknowns. It makes for an interesting puzzle to contemplate.