1993 300d intake valves and ALDA question

[bugsyson]

Took my intake manifold off, to change my glow plugs and to get my ALDA off. First thing I noticed was the intake valves are coked with about 1/16 to 1/32 of crud, almost all over. Is this normal ? should I try and clean them?, if so how?. I took my Alda off because it had a small leak, it's one of the new style, With it off it would not hold vacuum or pressure unless I pluged the end that attaches to the pump, and when I put it back on it just leaked more then before. I know the leaking part in not good, but where is it suppose to seal? internally or to the pump? The bad news is the MB dealer told me I had to buy the whole pump to get that part now ( he is looking into it for me) anywhere else I can source this part ?

Other than that the car is good, was hoping that adjusting/fixing the ALDA would help with poor performance off the line.

Don't worry about the crud on the intake valves. It's from the normal combination of soot from the EGR and crankcase vent gases combining to form sludge.

The ALDA has an unlimited supply of air from the turbo. As long as it does not leak the air very quickly, it will be fine. The only options for a new ALDA are to get a new injection pump with one on it or find a good used one.

Have you tried driving without the ALDA? Plug the line that attaches to the ALDA and take a spin around the block.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Have you tried driving without the ALDA? Plug the line that attaches to the ALDA and take a spin around the block.

...........you might suggest that he physically remove the ALDA......first.

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

...........you might suggest that he physically remove the ALDA......first.

Ah, good catch.

[biodesl]

You can cut down on the "crud" by limiting the oil that typically passes out the crankcase vent into the intake (or turbo). Check this post for how we mounted a CCV filter on my '93 300D.

Is this a PCV or just an elbow OM603

[bugsyson]

Since I can't see how or even if my Alda is moving, does letting the pin up (Alda removed) give more fuel at low rpm's, and if I get too much (smoke) how is everyone capping it with it removed to get the right setting?

Thanks

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by bugsyson

Since I can't see how or even if my Alda is moving, does letting the pin up (Alda removed) give more fuel at low rpm's, and if I get too much (smoke) how is everyone capping it with it removed to get the right setting?

Thanks

With the pin all the way up, there is no fuel limitation. The driver is the limitation. If you get smoke at low rpm's, back off your meaty size 12 from the go pedal a bit. You have the direct control of how much fuel is delivered to the engine.

[bugsyson]

Can enyone answer the question, "does the Alda seal internally or to the pump"?, eg. does a removed Alda (new style) hold vacuum or pressure with it removed from the pump? or only when it's attached to the pump. This will let me know for sure if my Alda u/s or not.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by bugsyson

Can enyone answer the question, "does the Alda seal internally or to the pump"?, eg. does a removed Alda (new style) hold vacuum or pressure with it removed from the pump? or only when it's attached to the pump. This will let me know for sure if my Alda u/s or not.

The ALDA is sealed internally. It holds pressure. Vacuum will damage the unit.

[bugsyson]

So my Alda is u/s I'll try and see if I can get a used one, anyone here have one for sale?

I put the car back together and tryed driving with Alda removed, still sluggish at low rpm's, am I expecting too much?, is this just how these cars are? Also I think I'm still running to lean as I do not get any smoke even with the Alda removed, is there any other easy way to make the air/fuel mixture richer. I'd like to set it to the point where it starts to smoke, then tweek it back a bit, so I know I'm getting all the power I can before the turbo kicks in.

1993 300D 2.5L