Learning question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

psaboic · #1 08-05-2004, 12:21 PM

Folks, I'll admit I am newbie to M-B Diesels. Actually I am not new to diesels, just M-B's.

Anyway, I have been actively looking for a decent 240 or 300 for me (and later on the 14 yr old) to drive

Without using the search function to death, where can I find some answers regarding the M-B motor and it's uniques features (examples are the manual priming pump, location of both fuel filters, how to shut off the motor under the hood if the ignition vacuum switch goes south, recommended maintenance schedules, etc))

These and many other little unique things about a M-B diesel are what I am going to have to get familiar with and also get the boy familiar with before we get one to drive.

Any pointers.

thanks,

Glenn

Pete Burton · #2 08-05-2004, 12:57 PM

Go to the library and see if you can get hold of a shop manual and read it. I found a number of manuals available in Bridgeport, CT in my youth - you're in a big city, give it a try

P.E.Haiges · #3 08-05-2004, 01:04 PM

psaboic,

First call the power unit under the hood by its correct name: Diesel ENGINE. The device that cranks it to start is a motor.

There are 2 fuel filters under the hood and a strainer in the fuel tank. One under the hood is an inline filter and is before the fuel pump. The other, a can type filter, is between the fuel pump and the injection pump (IP).

If you don't get dirty fuel or have algae in your tank, the filters rarely have to be changed. If the engine doesn't loose power on long hills, the filters are OK. The strainer in the tank usually only plugs from algae in the fuel.

There is no ignition shut off as Diesels don't have an ignition system. The Vacuum shut off you mention, shuts off the fuel in the IP. With out fuel being injected the engine stops. If the vacuum system does not shut off the fuel, there is a manual rod under the hood that will stop the engine. Look for a rod with stop printed on it.

Pre 1986 MB had manual fuel pumps which are located on the side of the IP. These are used after replacing the fuel filters to prime the system. Often the older pumps leak and air gets into the system thru them, so leaky ones should be replaced.

Maintenance: Oil change and filter 5000 miles for Diesel dino engine oil, 10,000 miles for synthetic Diesel engine oil. Valves should be adjusted every 25,000 miles and timing chain should be checked for elongation and tighteness at same time.

Other maintenence on the car about same as any other car.

Characresistic of MB all iron Diesel engines is extremely long life and good fuel economy.

Eventually you will have to learn how to replace a glow plug (GP)or diagnose the GP system.

P E H

Fuzzball · #4 08-05-2004, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges
psaboic,

First call the power unit under the hood by its correct name: Diesel ENGINE. The device that cranks it to start is a motor.

PEH, keep helping us all to be better speakers and spellers. I hate when I use the wrong word for things...(seriously, this is not sarcasm you read here).

Quote:

If the engine doesn't loose power on long hills, the filters are OK.

In that same spirit of helping, isn't it supposed to be "lose"

Lose = going away
Loose = not fitting well.

Just doing my part in the edjumacation of the masses.

Wasuchi · #5 08-05-2004, 04:04 PM

Now Fuzzball, you should know that it's spelled edjubication (edjubacation also acceptable)...... sheesh, what did thay teech you in skule?

P.E.Haiges · #6 08-06-2004, 12:32 AM

Fuzzball,

My head knows its lose but my fingers got kind of loose typing.

P E H

TonyFromWestOz · #7 08-06-2004, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges
psaboic,

First call the power unit under the hood by its correct name: Diesel ENGINE. The device that cranks it to start is a motor.

There are 2 fuel filters under the hood and a strainer in the fuel tank. One under the hood is an inline filter and is before the fuel pump. The other, a can type filter, is between the fuel pump and the injection pump (IP).

If you don't get dirty fuel or have algae in your tank, the filters rarely have to be changed. If the engine doesn't loose power on long hills, the filters are OK. The strainer in the tank usually only plugs from algae in the fuel.

There is no ignition shut off as Diesels don't have an ignition system. The Vacuum shut off you mention, shuts off the fuel in the IP. With out fuel being injected the engine stops. If the vacuum system does not shut off the fuel, there is a manual rod under the hood that will stop the engine. Look for a rod with stop printed on it.

Pre 1986 MB had manual fuel pumps which are located on the side of the IP. These are used after replacing the fuel filters to prime the system. Often the older pumps leak and air gets into the system thru them, so leaky ones should be replaced.

Maintenance: Oil change and filter 5000 miles for Diesel dino engine oil, 10,000 miles for synthetic Diesel engine oil. Valves should be adjusted every 25,000 miles and timing chain should be checked for elongation and tighteness at same time.

Other maintenence on the car about same as any other car.

Characresistic of MB all iron Diesel engines is extremely long life and good fuel economy.

Eventually you will have to learn how to replace a glow plug (GP)or diagnose the GP system.

P E H

psaboic, plese du not b 2 upsat et PEHs Anuly Retinitive obsessiun wif speling. I except his disubiluty, and axcept him as a veluble membr uf this cumumitie.

Tony - Whoo nevvur dun neffin wrung evvvr. - Tru. Reeely tru.

.

Fuzzball · #8 08-07-2004, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges
Fuzzball,

My head knows its lose but my fingers got kind of loose typing.

P E H