1983 240 DL, manual -- Clutch lifespan

My '83 240 had 153,000 miles on it when the tachometer stopped working
no more than a thousand miles ago. I have complete repair records, and
the clutch has never be replaced.I have followed online suggestions
for testing it, and it seems ok, although it might be -- in my own
estimation -- a little "high," as in not having a _lot_ of play.I've
been told that clutches, given proper use, can last indefinitely.What
opinions and/or experience do other people have?- NJ

 

That's about when the one in my turbo failed, yours may last longer, it's
hard to say, fortunatly it's not particularly hard to replace in these cars.

 

My dad's friend has (could be had right now, not sure if he got rid of his
brick, he was on a quest for a red 850/V70 non turbo, non automatic wagon
with cloth interior) a 1989 740 GLE (with the 8V engine, not the 16V) with
350+K Kms on it, original clutch, transmission (with functional O/D) and
exhaust system on it!

So yes, with proper driving skills a clutch will last a long time.

 

'89 245 has 225K miles on clutch.

 

My 78 245DL has 248,000 on it and still going strong. I did have a
clutch adjustment at about 246,000. Because of a slight oil leak from
the rear main seal, I will probably replace the clutch this winter when
repairing the rear main seal. Just because it's open for easy access.

 

1. Gidday from Australia.
2. Our 1976 needed a new clutch when rust, accidents, leaking oil,
injectors and a new interior finally made it uneconomical to repair...
The clutch was slipping for several months before I stripped the car
for parts. A slight touch on the clutch at cruise speed would send it
slipping. So with us at least, we got a lot of warning before it was
going to become undrivable.

Allan.