hi im new to the forums and i dont know too much about diesel engines...
my mom has a 1979 240D automatic trans, in grey and is in good condition. we're the 3rd owners, the 2nd owner was my uncle and he kept it in tip top shape. everything is original. At the moment it does not run. it has not been started for almost 3 years and im pretty sure the battery is dead. b4 the battery died on us, the problem it used to have is:

1)that there is something wrong w/ the instrument cluster (the tachometer, speedometer and the mileage meter) some of them dont even work, only the speedometer worked.

2)another problem it has is that it only goes at like 20-30 mph even when we push on the accelerator all the way.. i just know that we were goin at freeway speeds at one second, then all of a sudden the car slows down... and goes at the crawling speed (20-30mph) then it wont go any higher than that anymore.. (i dont think its the transmission because if it was we would not be able to take the car home...*it took us 3 hrs to get the car home b/c it was travelin 20-30mph)
3) also what fluids do i need to change once the car runs again so that the car would run cleaner, cause i heard that coolant and oil for diesel powered cars are different from Gas powered cars

PLEASE HELP!!! i live in riverside county area (corona area)... so if you can take a look at the vehicle itself that would be very helpful!

whens the last time it had a valve adjustment? or fuel filters changed?

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1983 Euro 240D 277K
2016 Mazda 6
Coming Soon, 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec
Formers:
2012- Mazda 3
2007 Outlander- complete pile
1995 E300 Diesel 208K
2007 VW Passat 2.0T 63K SOLD
2003 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sport Sold 04/11 w/88K
2009 Lexus RX350 9061 miles. Sold 04/09
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS:Totaled Sept.,09 @ 24,000
2003 Infiniti I35 58K Sold
1984 300 turbo diesel 222K

Your need fuel filters, thats most likely why your car has power issues. Change the oil and filter, and the transmission fluid and filter. You might want to get some algaecide for the fuel too.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

but first you have to get it started... and a fully charged battery that is heavy duty and intended for these demanding engines is a MUST... so take care of the batter and try your best to get the engine to at least start up and run at idle before you start changing fuel filters.

I say this because I recommend that before you change the two fuel filters you first do what is called a " Diesel Purge " and then follow this by replacing both fuel filters. First do your homework on this fuel system cleaning procedure by " SEARCHing " on this FORUM on the term " Diesel Purge " [ in the " Title " line only ] so that you use this German chemical fuel system cleaning product correctly... namely 100% recirculated withouth using fuel from the fuel tank.
Here is a good POST to start with:
E300TD diesel purge proceedure solved!
which is the initial POST for this lengthy THREAD:
E300TD diesel purge proceedure solved!
I'll monitor this THREAD to see how you are doing... which means that you have to report back so WE [ not just me ] will have enough information to continue trying to advise what you should try next.
P.S. - And buy extra fuel filters... especially the less expensive in-line plastic see-through "pre-filters".
Regards,

1)The odometer probably needs a gear replaced. Visit Diesel Giant's Odometer Repair for some help there. It's a pretty easy fix.

The tach's on these cars are pretty finakey. Try reading this DIY I did on tach repair. DIY 123 Tach Sensor Repair

2)Sounds exactly like clogged fuel filters. Change both the primary(plastic one), and the secondary(spin on one). If the problem still persists you may have to pull and clean the tank screen, but I bet new filters will solve the problem.

3)If the car has been sitting for a while, I would change the oil and coolant. I would check the transmission and differential fluid to make sure they are okay and at the proper levels.

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Go by West Marine and pick up some Startron Tank cleaner and follow the instructions. If you are as lucky as I was, a few tanks of the treatment will KO any algae proble.

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85 300D 107K present
82 240D 190K present- next-to-slowest car I ever owned
81 240D 1995-2000- slowest car I ever owned
79 350 SE Euro 1996-2001- fastest car I ever owned

another thing to check is the throttle linkage, make sure it is connected, and the V/C bolts to the throttle linkage plate are tight. have someone press the accelerator and watch to make sure the rack on the IP is moving full travel.
John
ps, you have a 79 automatic 240D and it has a TACH? cool.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!