1982 300D turbo diesel has almost no power up until 15 MPH, then it goes like a rocket. I wouldn't think it a fuel filter problem or it wouldn't go at higher speeds either. I have cleaned the banjo bolt and the hose which was completely clogged but it didn't help. I'm guessing that if the bonjo bolt was clogged it stands to reason the hole the bolt goes into is clogged too. My question is how can I clean that out? Is it safe to spray contact cleaner in there to clean it out? if not ,what is a safe procedure?

The banjo bolt and the port in the manifold is not your issue if the vehicle has good performance above 2200 rpm.

The first thing that needs to be addressed is the IP timing...........when was the last time it was set? Camshaft timing will also affect the vehicle performance to some degree.

If both are correct, or reasonably close, it's time to make an ALDA adjustment to increase fuel at low rpm. Do a search on "ALDA" and read about how to make this change.

Is it starting in 1st gear?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

No it doesn't start in 1st gear.

If it's starting off in second, that's not right. It's time for some vacuum troubleshooting and transmission adjustment.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

That makes a pretty big difference in off the line performance.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Very big difference. It should stay in 2nd when stopped and in gear but once you start moving it should downshift into 1st.

Sorry, I thought you ment will it start in 1st geat (IE put the shifter in first gear and turn the key to start). No the tranny is in 1st gear when the shifter is in drive at idle.

I do not believe that this is correct for the turbodiesels. They downshift to first gear well before they come to a complete stop.

It may have been part of the late-82 revision. My wagon always went into 2nd gear at a stop and downshifted when I started to accelerate.

It was a feature of MB to reduce the brake pedal effort needed to keep the vehicle stationary while in gear.

It depends on which one. My 85 TD does. However my 79 W116 SD only downshifts if you come to an absolute complete stop. There's some kind of mechanical switch which detects the stop.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Yes, quite possibly true. My experience is with 1983 and later turbodiesels. All of them would easily attain first gear prior to the stop.

However, one interesting tidbit:

They will never attain first gear if the Bowden cable linkage is screwed up and doesn't properly function. If the bracket goes overcenter and the cable is not permitted to move, the SD will never go into first.

The next time you have the valve cover off, check the timing chain stretch (elongation). The chain may have worn to the extent it has thrown off your cam and IP timing a bit. You should also take time to get the valves checked and adjusted while you have the cover off.

Ken300D

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--------------------------
1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

The behaviour described by op sounds like starting in second to me too.

Are you sure its starting in first?

(Sorry)

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.