Help!!! 300sd Wont Start!

[RichardLSU]

I replaced both my fuel filters, and various vacuum lines around the same area which I saw to be cracked/broken/etc.. while doing the fuel filters. I went to start my car (after it sat for about a week in 40 degree weather) and now it wont start. It almost seems like it isn't getting any fuel. I was told I would need to "prime" my fuel system before starting it but I don't know how. Also, that little light that comes on, I believe it is the glow-plug indicator, just stopped coming on. Are they already heated up or did I bust them? It sounded like it almost started a couple times at first but now it doesn't seem like it will. Please help!

[blackestate]

I have been told that the GP light not working is due to at least one bad GP. Pull the connector off the GP controller and ohm every GP from there to ground, and replace the bad ones. Ohm reading should be very low.

Priming, Did you fill the filters with fuel before puting them on the car? If so then you use the little hand pump on the side on the injection pump. If not, pull them and fill them up and try it again.

Good luck

[Brian Carlton]

Two things appear to have happened simultaneously.........

1) Fuel filter's changed

2) Glow plug light is not functional.


This would imply that the glow plug system was compromised when the work was done to change the fuel filter. However, this is highly unlikely because there are no components that are in proximity.

So, did the glow plug light fail at the exact same point when the fuel filters were changed?

With the light extinguished, you'll need to chase glow plug issues.

The first thing to do is to see if you have 12V at the glow plugs when you turn the key to the #2 position. If you don't, then the fuse in the relay is likely cracked or burnt and it needs replacement.

If you do have voltage and the plugs are working properly, then it's time to address fuel issues.........but, I doubt that will be necessary.

[hangit]

Go to www.dieselgiant.com. He has a great pictorial on tracing glowplug issues. I think he also has one on changing fuel filters too!

John

[suburbanviking]

Spoonfeeding here -- http://www.dieselgiant.com/glowplugrepair.htm

I used this a few weeks ago to determine the health of my glow plugs (which weren't good). It is a good picture based tutorial -- kinda like a Denny's menu.

.....Dan

[RichardLSU]

In response to Brian Carlton, no, the glow plugs worked for the first few times that I tried to start the car after I changed the fuel filters, but then it just quit. I didn't prime the fuel system using the pump but I did put fuel in the filters before I put them on. My hand pump dumps more fuel down the side of my engine than it puts in the IP, so I dont like using it. I know I have to replace that soon as well but seeing as I never use it, I just tighten it down so it doesn't leak.

I ordered new glow plugs today and I'll replace them tomorrow. If it still doesn't work its probably the relay. Where is that located?

[kerry]

Originally Posted by RichardLSU

. Where is that located?

Left front inner fender. Check the strip fuse under the cover.

[RichardLSU]

I just checked out that Diesel Giant website and WOW! a ton of info! I feel pretty confident about tracking down the problem.

[vstech]

dieselgiant used to post on here all the time, I have not seen any posts from him in quite a while... anybody know Why?

[hangit]

Originally Posted by vstech

dieselgiant used to post on here all the time, I have not seen any posts from him in quite a while... anybody know Why?

I often wonder the same thing. Russell never responded to emails regarding buying MBs from his dealership either. He did answer questions by phone for me on several occasions though.


John

[LUVMBDiesels]

If you don't prime it, you have to crank it for a long time before it will fire.
You have to keep it cranking for something like 30-45 second before it will fire up. If it sounds like it wants to start, keep cranking until it is running on all cylinders.

My old pump also dumped fuel down the side. Putting in a new pump is pretty easy.

[RichardLSU]

I've spent the better part of my day on his website learning more and more about my car. VERY informative. I think I'll tackle some other issues that need addressing.

[hangit]

Originally Posted by RichardLSU

I've spent the better part of my day on his website learning more and more about my car. VERY informative. I think I'll tackle some other issues that need addressing.

You might buy a few parts from him as well as Roy and Phil. They both offer great free advice!

John

[RichardLSU]

I replaced my both my fuel filters, glow plugs, boost sensor on top of the intake manifold, cleaned my banjo-bolt and fitting and replaced some various vacuum lines around my engine bay. I charged the battery last night (it failed while trying to start with bad GPs) and now it still wont start. It cranks and cranks and it just wont catch. It sounds like it wants to start but the only thing I can think of is that its starving for fuel. I can't prime the fuel system because my hand pump is bad. Do I just keep cranking it to get the air out of my fuel system or what?

When I removed my brass fuel lines to replace my glow plugs there was fuel in my IP and injectors (sitting on top of where the fuel lines plugged into). So I wouldn't THINK its starving for diesel.

Any suggestions?

[kerry]

Have you confirmed all GP's are functioning? I'd replace the leaking primer pump with a new one, prime it, bleed the injector lines, then try again.