I've had my 87 SDL for about 4 years now and it has always run really well. Recently I have had some troubles and I am not sure if they are related or not.

On a cold morning (which is like 50 here in Austin) or after sitting in <65 degree weather the car is extremely sluggish for the first few miles. It starts up no problem but it gets up to around 2000 rpm and will not go above it. It seems to be better after the car warms up a bit but it still cannot maintain speed going up very gradual slopes. I can be cruising at 70 and by the time I am to the top I will be going 50.

The other thing is that 2 times in the last 2 weeks I have parked on a slope where the front of the car is a bit higher than the rear. After sitting for about 5 minutes in this position the car wouldn't start. I assumed I might be out of fuel since the gauge has always been a little wonky. After putting fuel in I had the same problem. I pushed the car to level ground and after a minute or two of cranking it started. The second time it happened I skipped the fuel part and just got it on level ground.

Does this sound like a fuel leak? I haven't noticed any fuel underneath.

Thanks for any help or advice,
Brian

My guesses (in order):
1) Fuel filter(s)
2) Clogged fuel suction screen in tank
3) Tired fuel pump in the IP

Diesel is more viscous at lower temps so clogged filters/screens become more of an issue. Hope this helps - it is just a guess.

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D. Blake
86 300SDL 340K (for sale)
83 300SD 205K (gone)
06 Chevy K3500 LBZ CCLB 50K
94 Chevy K2500 6.5L TD 250K (gone)

Fuel return hose from filter to steel line is leaking air? Had similar problem recently. Replaced all fuel hoses in engine compartment (supply and return) and problem went away.

X2 - start (simple) with the filters first. Problems starting on an incline also sounds like you're getting air in your system. Try searching - I remember reading similar posts in the recent past.

By the way - thanks for crafting Pet Sounds, that album changed the way I listen to music.

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1981 240d - 135k - Arlene