Why won't the 300D start?
 

Yesterday I picked up the 300D from the transmission shop and test drove the new "used" tranny and it drove OK.
So my son drives it home & it wouldn't go over 30MPH, just like before the tranny swap. (It seems I may not have needed a new tranny now!)
It makes it home eventually under 30MPH
SO I change both fuel filters just in case it is clogged somewhere.

Now the engine cranks fine but won't turn over & start up ?

I am open to diagnostic suggestions please.
Is this injectors? Injector pump?
Thanks!


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What made you think the original problem was tranny related?

failure to start after a filter change is usually air in the IP. open the secondary return line and PUMP PUMP PUMP!, then open each hard line at the injectors and crank over until no bubbles appear at the lines.
if you have fuel flowing from the lines, and no air, I am not sure. compression? air filter?
John

I took it into a transmisison guy because it wouldn't go into 3 rd gear & it was not going over 40mph even floored.
He said it was the transmission.

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Thanks,

but you lost me on this.

? secondary return line location?

? ditto on hard line at injectors?


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A quick check before you get too far into this. Does the throttle linkage advance the lever on the injection pump fully when the pedal is pressed down?
Your descrription sounds like fuel starvation both now and when running. Also blow a little air down the line to the tank with the fuel cap off to establish if the tank filter is clear. Lots of bubbles visually being processed through the small filter when engine running? That would indicate an air leak into the fuel line before the filter.

Would it not go into 3rd even when redlined or did the car just run out of oomph before 3rd gear? If the latter, it probably was never transmission related.
It does sound like lack of fuel. Try an alternative fuel source. Fill a soda bottle with fuel and put main line and return line into the bottle, hooking the main line to the primary filter. See if it runs any better, If so, the problem lies between the filter and the tank.

Thanks, & to Barry;

That is the logical place to start.
And as far as the shifting it would just not get out of 2nd gear; or 3rd gear.

Plus the fuel issue I think to boot.

I hope it's not this, but what would be the indication of a problem with the IP or the injectors?


AA

I can't believe the shop let it go in the exact same shape when they got it and did the work they recommended. Some indies good, some not so good apparently. I say drive it back to the shop and ask them why their new tranny didn't improve the car's situation.

I test drove it for 15 minutes & it drove and acclerated fine . Not too quick but not real poor either.

It has to be a fuel issue somewhere.
If I ever needed a trannie is an 800 moot point at this point.



AA

is it starting now?
My TD had similar issues, but it started fine. It would not accelerate hardly at all, and it would not shift into higher gears due to the lack of acceleration. I found that the linkage bracket on the cam cover had three loose bolts, and the throttle just pivoted the bracket, not the IP. have someone sit in the car and press the pedal to the floor and back over and over slowly, while you verify the linkage is indeed moving the vertical throttle rod to the IP and then VERIFY the rod is making it FULL travel.
also do the soda bottle fuel bypass.
if the car is still not starting, do what I said in my first response. the fuel return hose is the hose on top of the spin on filter, just loosen the bolt and pump the fuel siphon pump until you get no air out.
also crack the nuts on top of the injectors that have the 3/16" steel lines going to them from the IP, 17mm open end wrench or a line wrench if you can get in there with it (I couldn't...). and pump some more. then with the lines still loose (close the spin on bolt tight) crank the motor until NO air escapes out the nuts, only fuel. If neither is leaking out the nuts, let us know.
John

If your still running vegetable oil put some Startron in the fuel tank.

Maybe pull the tank filter out and feel around the bottom. If it's full of gunk you may have to take it out and clean it.

Danny

It is running now & seems to be fine.

I think it missed me being at the shop for 1 week.

I pumped the air out manually with the primer, and let my facet fuel pump run on accessory for a minute and it started up runs like new again.


Thanks!


So who wants to buy it?





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I'll be watching for the CD soon:D

Not for a while. That is 1 cool car.

The CD accelerates 2X as fast as the 300D. I haven't even had the time yet to do the routine maintenence; filters; fluids; still have to do the brakes; front rotors; 4 new Billlsteins, window regulators; fix the sunroof, stereo & speakers upgrade; and lastly install a new 12V facet fuel pump so I can start weening her off dino & onto filtered UCO.


BTW I found a new very good European MB indy in Coral Springs....
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