1980 300TD Wagon Won't Start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cteurocar · #1 05-30-2006, 04:31 PM

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I've previously owned a 1983 300CD, 1981 240D, 1984 190D and a 1985 300TD. After driving gas cars a while, I knew I couldn't live without a diesel again. I purchased a 1980 300TD inexpensively that wasn't running. I was told that the fuel system was dirty. Well I towed it home- cleaned out the entire fuel tank (which was filthy dark fuel), refilled it with fresh fuel. Then I checked the lines, replaced both fuel filters, re-charged battery and primed the whole system. The car turns over and really wants to start but just won't (it did actually run for 2-3 seconds at one point of turning over for 15 seconds ). I read all of the threads but didn't see any exactly with this issue. The glow plug light does come on and goes off, however it does take a little bit to turn off. I'm going to replace all the glowplugs this week but I wanted to see what others suggest. I'm thinking either glowplugs or dirty lines/injectors? This is the first diesel I purchased not running so I am learning step by step on this car. The car has 123K miles on it.
Any suggestions as to the issue would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Stephen

Mismost · #2 05-30-2006, 10:10 PM

My first thought was glow plugs and you are going to do that...hope that cures it! Also check that glow plug flat fuse, it maybe cracked.
When you cleaned the tank, did you clean the tank strainer?
Can you crack a injector line and verify you are in fact getting fuel to the injectors? Are you sure you got it primed good? Air filter clean?

cteurocar · #3 05-30-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mismost

My first thought was glow plugs and you are going to do that...hope that cures it! Also check that glow plug flat fuse, it maybe cracked.
When you cleaned the tank, did you clean the tank strainer?
Can you crack a injector line and verify you are in fact getting fuel to the injectors? Are you sure you got it primed good? Air filter clean?

The tank strainer was actually very clean, I was surprised. There was really little build up or filth in the tank, but the fuel is this awful color of black and brown. The previous owner knew little about cars. I will check the fuse, air filter and injector lines in the a.m.. Also, I think I did prime it well enough- but I wanted to make sure- dose the small clear plastic filter only fill 1/2 way? This one seems to be filling 1/2 way up. Thanks again for the reply. I really want to get this running and if I can get it going myself I will be much happier than having it towed to our Indep. Mercedes Shop (who charges a fortune-).
Thanks Again
Stephen

unkl300d · #4 05-31-2006, 01:10 AM

valve clearances

#5 05-31-2006, 01:18 AM

Glow plugs, or the fuse, or the relay would be my first thought. IMHO.

SD300 · #6 06-02-2006, 04:07 AM

Use a volt meter or test light to see if any juice there.
If no juice then run a thick wire to it, clamp onto the battery term.

I did it on few cars, that way it can sure fire up.