What is this!? Hans, giving me PROBLEMS?
 

Hans has been acting a little finnicky lately. He seems to have a bit of a "tock", not really a tick, not really a knock. A tock, it's been there for a while and I'd like to cleanse Hans of this tock. Sounds as if I have a nut bouncing around in my crank case every half second to second, no pattern usually- I know that isn't it, but it's what it sounds like.

The car has no trouble starting up on a cold morning, but man let me tell you he smokes more than Flava-Flave... And that's a lot. I've ALSO noticed Hans has loooots of air in his fuel lines, particularly at the clear filter near the injector pump.


So I pose my questions- if air isn't supposed to be in the fuel lines, what could be causing it and what could I do to stop this air in my lines? Can air in the lines cause the car to run more rough than usual?


1987 300D. OM603. 200,000 miles.

Answer:
 

:eek:The top issue that occurs to me:

The 603 engine "factory" vacuum pump had issues with dropping the bearing into the timing chain.

Have you replaced yours yet?

Have your full VIN# ready, and call Phil for correct part, and best price at
1-888-333-4642
Mon-Fri 9:00a-6:00p ET

Jumping jehoshaphat that doesn't sound good. What needs to be replaced, what could happen if it isn't replaced, how much time do you think I have to replace it and how much could it cost? Any info to any of the above? I don't like the sounds of that, I'm a broke college student and you know how that goes :rolleyes:

Any idea about the bubbles in the fuel filter? Could air bubbles cause the car to run rough?

Answer:
 

zero time.
If that is what you hear = replace it now, don't start it again until it has been replaced.


PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1987 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: Diesel Vacuum Pump


Have your full VIN# ready, and call for the correct part, and best price

My AC compressor is bad and makes the same sort of noise.

Your hard starting could be an air leak. Try parking it with the nose down hill and see if it still is hard to start.

I'm going to bring it to my mercedes guy tomorrow since I have the day off and have him double check the sound before I go buying something that expensive... Damn.

Still no-so-go on the bubbles in the fuel lines? I want to make sure that isn't causing the car to run even more rough or doing even more damage

Yes
 

Diesels don't like air in the fuel system = run bad.

If the Looped Fuel Return Hose is not weeping, as a diagnostic try bypassing the diesel fuel heater.
Note the plastic lines between filter housing and injection pump should be clear as new ice maker tube, if they are coffee color = need to replace.

ShopForum > Do It Yourself Links & Resources > DIY Links by Parts Category
Diesel Injection:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/142405-diesel-injection.html

ShopForum > Do It Yourself Links & Resources > DIY Links by Parts Category
Fuel Delivery:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/142399-diesel-fuel-delivery.html


ShopForum > Shop Swap Classifieds > Fastlane Specials > Special Order Parts
diesel Looped Fuel Return Hose, one meter
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/204762-6050780581-diesel-looped-fuel-return-hose-one-meter.html

Plastic fuel lines, injection pump, OM603.961
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/204761-om603-960-961-plastic-fuel-lines-injection-pump.html

ShopForum > Shop Swap Classifieds > Fastlane Specials > Special Order Parts
6010700282 Fuel Thermostat
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/204763-6010700282-fuel-thermostat.html

Maybe the lifters? Do you run synthetic oil? If so try the Rislone additive and see if the 'tock' clears. If not check to see if you have the original vacuum pump which should be replaced regardless.

Here is a thread on the vacuum pump issue.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/106614-how-replace-603-vacuum-pump.html?highlight=603+vacuum+pump

-Thank you Whunter, you've been a big help providing me with the info.

I run conventional, rotella T. I'm quite stumped myself and I suppose I'll leave my mercedes guy up to the challenge. In the mean time though, I'll get the ball rolling with replacement parts needed

Does the diesel engine in my '87 have the same hand fuel prime/pump knob thing that my OM617 had? If so, I could probably use that to rid the air bubbles right?

Sorry
 

:(The OM603.961 is a self prime system.

On my 617's there's always evidence of some air in the primary fuel filter. This is not a problem as I see it.

Then can someone please tell me how to purge the air out of my lines. Theres enough in my system for me to take notice and watching the air in the line, everytime a big one enters the chamber, the engine stumbles

At this point, all I'd like to know is how I can get rid of the air in my fuel lines. Anyone?

As WHUNTER said above with the plastic fuel line.

If they are brown colored, they are brittle and will snap, and could have a crack letting in air. I was rehooking up one of mine and it snapped off.
The new one is clear and much softer and pliable.

Charlie

Fyi:
 

He is indicating massive flowing bubbles in the semi transparent fuel lines = bad air leak in the system.

Before we do a "vacuum pump panic attack" let's at least see if it's the old style or new style. Trace the large black brake booster vacuum line (Not a little bitty one like the others, you'll know this one) - to the vacuum pump. Look at the "face" of the pump. See if you see screws/nuts/whatever. The picture of the part they told you to buy should be what you'd like to see. If you don't see that fastener pattern anywhere then you do have an old vacuum pump that ought to be replaced. But... mine makes similar noises, the vac pump has been changed before we got the car. I think a certain amount of odd clatter is normal... mine does it in phases.

To me it sounds like one of the lifters doesn't start getting as much oil as it needs at times. Fixes itself after a while.

Correction. Just went back and looked at the picture I told you to look at. The four things on the pump that look like rivet fasteners are what you're looking for. not screws. Sorry.