Here's the preliminary info on this 1975 300d I picked up today:

1975 300d

So far, all I have done is turn it over a few times (which is seems to do without issue), and check the glow plug w-shaped wire for current (gives heat, haven't done a full check yet).

Just wondering where I should start with this beast?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

dunl,

Try and start it. As long as there is oil in the crankcase, U won't hurt anything.

I would bet it will start, Diesels are not like gasoline engines, where the old gasoline won't ignite because it has evaporated off the lighter molecules.

There are probably others that say do this and do that first, but I have seen this just make things worse. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

P E H

I second PEH. I parked by 307d motorhome for a year, charged the battery, started it up and drove away. I see no reason to treat yours any differently.

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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

Well, what worries me is the guy was having issues starting it, so he tried to do the timing on the injection pump.

I did try to start it, but it won't catch....where do I start first after glowplugs, as I'm going to get a steaming cup of coffee and start a search on the older style of them.

Thanks for the reassurance, that's great. At least I know I won't be damaging anything, as that was a concern.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

I didnt see where you have cracked the injector lines to see if there was fuel present,that is where I would start.The timing issue is something I have not messed with ,always had it done,Good luck and keep us posted,Johnny

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85 300sd SOLD ,85 745i,95 740i,1972 Suburban,1938 International

Well, I see barry123400's post on setting the timing with the milli volt method has been thoroughly discussed, but I can't find a thread on "milli volt timing method for dummies" - anyone here know where I can find a good tutorial on how to set timing with the milli volt method?


If it wouldn't start well, then the PO tried to do the timing with the drip method, and now it won't start at all - maybe this is the issue?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

Hi again, just for general information I am also responding here as well as to your pm. I have just read your thread as well. As I stated the milli volt method has a dynamic component and does not apply to an engine not running basically. After reading your posts I would do the following as this is an older example with questional background perhaps. Cheap things first. Make sure your shut off valve is in the run position. Get a set of feeler gauges and check for valve clearances. You do not have to reset them at this point unless some are far too tight. A few really tight valves with no clearance could make starting difficult. Read all the information you can absorb about the series glow plugs in the archives and apply it. As someone stated check to see if any fuel is coming up by loosening an injector line. If all above seem okay I personally would do a compression check myself before going further. Find out from the archives the approxamite values of a cold compression check you should see. It is never going to start reliably if it is too low. Also plug the block heater in if you can. This may aid you a little if compression is low for example. Or at least gives you an indication. It will not hurt anything for sure. This is all based on previous owner having starting problems as well. Hopefully it is something minor but that is not always the case . But hopefully will turn out to be this time. Best of luck. Remember the previous owner did not know the real reason for the hard starts. He apparently just tried to retime the pump probably with no really solid indication it needed it. Look for any old marks on the flange and pump to see if he has moved it very far from them if they exist. Other people will have more helpful suggestions than these. I would also take the time to make positive the fuel was good even if I had to drain the old and put in some new. You can always pour the old fuel back in the tank later if it proves not to have been the problem.

Thanks for the help guys, and yes barry, got your PM - very helpful.

I'm going to go build a loft bed for my daughter, and when that is done, try to get some work done on this old girl today, so I might not be replying to any questions people might have for a bit.

I got a feeling I might just be able to get this old girl back on the road eventually, so this might turn into a long thread.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

That's what I thought. Now I have a boat anchor I think my experience was a fluke though. I bet somebody drooped a nut down the timing chain hole or something.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Well, it's a pretty lawn ornament right now, so why not give it a shot?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

Okay, lightning is striking right over the house now, so I figure it's a bad time to see how it can travel down through the 300d as I stand under it with the hood open.

Anyway, I turned it on yesterday, and no hint of a glow from the glow plugs. I looked around a bit here, and I saw about converting them to the pencil style plugs.


Question is: where do I get the correct pencil plugs to do this conversion (Canadian retailers would be good, as some of the Yankee places don't exist up here....), and which ones exactly are the correct ones?

Thanks,
Darcy

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

Barry's method is for an engine that is running. The millivolts are generated by the glow plugs being heated by the combustion of a thoroughly warmed up engine, causing the plugs to act as a thermo-couple.

I got mine converted to pencil type by an independant euro-car mechanic. I think all he did was order the plugs for a vintage '80 to '83 300D- the plug threads into the pre-chambers are identical to the old series types. Instead of the '80's vintage relay however, he put in a generic 60 Amp rated relay and a push-button switch under the dash, which I really like, because I can control the after-glow manually, and the system is much easier to troubleshoot. Plus, nobody else would ever be able to figure out how to start my car

Pencil type glow plugs- definately the best thing I've ever done to my car.

Dave
1976 300D

So where could I get new glow plugs here in Canada for a 300d?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

Diesel giant sells a conversion kit. I would try pulling yours out first and seeing if they are burned out. I've got a few spares loop plugs you need them. I would see if the old style plugs can be made to work and see if the car will start before you spend much $$ on it.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine