About 2 weeks ago, my '85 300D started to smoke more on start up in the morning, and require a little pressure on the gas pedal for about 5 seconds to keep it running. Then it's fine. When the engine is even slightly warm there are no problems. Prior to 2 weeks ago, it always fired right up in the morning with no smoke.

I checked the glow plugs - all show 1 ohm or less. Haven't checked valves yet, will do that in about 2 weeks. Perhaps I should test the relay itself - with the glow system on, how many volts should I see at each connector pin? Is there anything else I can look for or try?

Thanks,

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Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)

IIRC, the glow plugs need to read about .6 ohms. Even if they pass does not mean they are good.

When is the last time they were replaced?

Also check your strip fuse. Does the GP light come on and shut off?

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Sounds like timing symptoms, but they should appear gradually and worsen.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Answers to questions:

Only have owned the car 6 weeks, so I don't know how old the plugs are. Yes, the glow plug light does come on at startup. The strip fuse looks OK.

My idle speed is around 700 rpm - would turning this up to 750-800 hurt anything?

__________________
Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)

I would check your valve adjustment immediately! Tight valves will not close all the way or at the proper time and this could lead to valve damage and the symptoms you spoke of!

VW1300,

Check the voltage at the GP when they are energized. U should get about 11 to 11.5 volts at each one.

P E H