W123 300D running problem

[Guy Joseph]

My diesel merecedes has recently developed a cutting out problem. It had complete filter changes 2 years ago and I have only covered 8,000 miles since.

The symptons are as follows:

Whilst driving, the car starts to lose power and then judders to a halt. Even after a short journey. It is difficult to re-start, coughing and spluttering and then cutting out. When it starts again it seems fine and then the symptons start all over again.

I am very reluctant to give the car to a French mechanic and would really like to tackle the problem myself. Any advice greatly appreciated.

[kcscout]

Sounds like you have fuel problems. If you only drive 8000 miles in two years, you may have algae growth in your fuel tank, lines, and filters. I would definitely change both the primary and secondary fuel filters (and in the process bleed all the air out of the fuel system with the hand pump). You may also want to put some algae treatment in your tank. It's kinda like chicken soup, even it that's not the problem, it wont hurt anything. do a search on diesel fuel problems and you will find lot's of info. Lastly, you may want to check the Diesel section of this site. There is bound to be better expertise there.

[engatwork]

Clean the fuel tank screen.

[Johnhef]

if its not a fuel related problem, check the valve cover ventilation. boneheaddoctor had a similar problem with this and it was discussed for quite sometime, try searching the archives for it.