my sisters 82 300d wont start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bellyboy · #1 07-18-2007, 09:47 PM

i am visiting up north. she bought a converted wvo.

i replaced the the battery, it had a lawnmower batt. in it. it sounds like it wants to start. it seems it is a fuel delivery issue.

what are some simple, initial starting tricks? i.e-priming, letting plugs stay on extra long, etc.

starter sounds strong, batt is a large diesel one

thanks

PatricdeBoer · #2 07-18-2007, 10:16 PM

Could be a number of things. first, make sure it is primed and all the glowplugs are working.

estod · #3 07-19-2007, 12:12 AM

Check the filters, or just change them.

Check that you're not trying to start on cold WVO.

mespe · #4 07-19-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estod

Check the filters, or just change them.

Check that you're not trying to start on cold WVO.

I've been starting on cold WVO all summer,,, in fact I quit thinning it out with gas, just 100% WVO.

Sounds like the car prol needs a valve adjustment,,, try plugging in the block heater to add heat. When the valves get tight, they don't open long enough to get enough air into the cylinder,, this will lead to hard cold starts. Warm starts will still be somewhat OK.

Glow plugs ,,,,, check them they are very important,,,, the block heater will help here too,,,

#5 07-19-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespe

I've been starting on cold WVO all summer,,, in fact I quit thinning it out with gas, just 100% WVO.

Need I say more?

Get some real fuel in there and STOP starting the engine on cold oil!

PatricdeBoer · #6 07-19-2007, 03:40 AM

They will start alright on cold WVO, but each time you're doing it, you screw your engine up just a little bit more.

Mad2Physicist · #7 07-19-2007, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatricdeBoer

They will start alright on cold WVO, but each time you're doing it, you screw your engine up just a little bit more.

What gets screwed up when you cold start on vegetable oil? From what I've heard, a cold start on VO is harder than on fossil fuel, but not bad for the car.

RichC · #8 07-19-2007, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Need I say more?

Get some real fuel in there and STOP starting the engine on cold oil!

.

I have personally been starting my 1982 Mercedes 300D on cold oil for over a year now with no problems.

But I live in Texas, and it is pretty warm here all year.
What kind of tempratures are you trying to start the car in ?

My first guess is that your having a problem with your glow plug system.
Is the glow plug light coming on in the dash like it should ?

My second guess is air in the fuel lines.
Something may have come loose, and is now letting air into the fuel supply.
Can you see fuel in the small filter next to the injection pump ?

Thank You
RichC

#9 07-19-2007, 04:01 AM

If your primer pump leaks when you pump it manually (a common occurrence) then you should replace it with the updated pump handle. They are available on eBay for $20 shipped from various sellers. A good rule of thumb is if fuel can get out, air can get in.

If you haven't changed your fuel filters yet, now is the best time to do so.

Rock77 · #10 07-19-2007, 05:28 AM

Do they make a aftermarket sportline suspension for a 1980 300SD w116 and does anyone have any knowledge on Sumitomo HTR 200 205/70/R14 Tires.

I have a 1993 190 2.6 Sportline And would like my 1980 300SD be a little more responsive around the mountain driving.

Thanks,

Rock

rrgrassi · #11 07-19-2007, 11:31 AM

I wonder if LoveCrap read this...

LUVMBDiesels · #12 07-19-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

I wonder if LoveCrap read this...

bellyboy · #13 07-19-2007, 06:42 PM

thanks for the insight- got off track a bit

it doesnt have a pre. i.p. filter. what it looks like i am going to do is take off the fuel line before the ip and dip it in some diesel and prime that mother a bunch and she should turn over let it run and heat up the wvo and switch it over to the wvo with some added kerosene to break it up a bit and tell her to run it, let it idle to get rid off the wvo, put some biobar and change some filters- hopefully it will just be an afternoon project

NC Benz · #14 07-19-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellyboy

thanks for the insight- got off track a bit

it doesnt have a pre. i.p. filter. what it looks like i am going to do is take off the fuel line before the ip and dip it in some diesel and prime that mother a bunch and she should turn over let it run and heat up the wvo and switch it over to the wvo with some added kerosene to break it up a bit and tell her to run it, let it idle to get rid off the wvo, put some biobar and change some filters- hopefully it will just be an afternoon project

Have you checked the glow plug situation though???

Mojool · #15 07-19-2007, 08:56 PM

if you checked the glow plugs and the glow relay, and changed the spin on fuel filter and all those check out OK, i'd check out the fuel screen inside the fuel tank. my car wouldn't start below 1/4 of a tank because the screen was mostly gunked up. take the hose off the bottom of the tank (collect the diesel that drains out), get the nipple off (19mm) and then take your 46mm socket (yes, no lie it's that big, 10$ at northern tool) and back the screen out. soak that mofo in something to loosen up the gunk (i used denatured alcohol), and then put it all back together and prime it up...