I have just converted a 300CD from automatic to 4-spd manual. One of the reasons for the conversion (not the only) was that it is rather slow to accelerate on take-off. It still exhibits the same characteristics. It is turbo. I feel it is in the turbo pressure feedback system but am not sure how to go about checking it out. Has anyone experienced this problem and solved it? It is slow up to around 2K rpm, after that it is like a bullet. When I first installed this engine I had to try three turbochargers to get one that worked. One leaked, one was frozen, but this one was from a previous engine that I had put into a 240D and I did not have this problem so I feel it is not in the turbo itself. I thought it may be possible that the turbo was sticking until it got enough air flow to make it move. That, of course, would be fairly easy to check out. I just haven't done it yet. These 5-cyl diesels are a pure joy to drive when connected to a 4-speed, but less than desirable on the automatics. I have owned several Peugeot diesels and none of them had problems with the automatic or manual transmissions. Unfortunately, they no longer ship to North America. Hence, if you want a diesel it is just about, either, Mercedes or Jetta. I own both.

Thanks. C Jones

Thanks to all that responded. I think I got some good information. Checked on the ALDA compensating unit at my local Mbz dealer and the price was $140, but it is no longer available. I guess I will have to try tweaking mine. Received some real good information from a friend in Illinois from a thread on Mbz.org. As long as they roll, we'll keep em' running.

adjust your ALDA.. use the search funtion with the words ALDA adjustment and you will find out

You may have had a binding issue especially if your turbo was not a functioning unit for a while, things get gummed up and frozen until provoked into working.

One other thing unless you have done it already is to make sure you install a blow-off valve on your turbo pressure side. In switching to a manual, your turbo is generating alot of boost, especially between shifts as you eliminate the load on the engine, this pressure builds up quickly and has nowhere to go, but back into the turbo wrong way around thus damaging your impeller.

Also if your car is still using the overboost protection circuit, you may be pegging it between shifts and causing momentary fuel cut-outs, this is more of an issue if there is no blow-off valve to prevent this from happening.

Asside from that anything off-boost will likely be in your ALDA adjustment. Boost tends to build at 2000rpm and up.

All the best

__________________
Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)

I begin to notice the turbo at around 2200rpm's. I don't think anything is wrong with yours.
Try driving an NA at altitude for a few days, then you'll think yours is a downright speedster.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13