Wife was driving on the freeway and then she said she heard loud engine noise and losing power. Pulled to the hard shoulder. Went to rescue her and the car started but shake at idle. Tried to drive it home and then engine stalled and would not start again. Long story short, the car is now kaput.

Tried to do a compression test today but engine turned over very slowly with injectors ALL removed. Timing chain intact. I tried to turn by hand at the crank bolt but it is very hard. What can stop the engine from turning? What could be in the way, broken vacuum pump or others? I tied the shut off valve to 'shut off' position to stop fuel from squirting out but it should not matter.

Your input is appreciated.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.