In general, if I'm going to have to fix it, I want control over it. It's that simple. They're trying to give you the responsibility without giving you the authority. Don't sit still for it. Go slow. Clamp down a little at a time. But if they want it maintained and you're the one that will get called when it goes south, then you take charge of it.

Otherwise, prop it up, do as little as humanly possible, and keep all written communication about the server.

We used to refer to servers like this as "clown cars" because all sorts of crazy stuff comes tumbling out.