I believe yours starts in first. Just look at the rpm, you should be around 2500 rpm at 55-60 mph (more or less), if you're at 3500 or 4000 rpm it's stuck in third.

Craig,

I definitely thought about that, but if the timing chain was stretched (thereby affecting cam and IP timing), wouldn't it start funny and idle rough?

The car starts fine (with exception of needing at least a couple glow plugs ), and idle fine (not rough).

Yep, I definitely see 25-2700 at 55-60mph. I'ts just when try to get to 80 there is just nothing there - extremely anemic/almost non-existant acceleration, and at that speed (if you can get it there) the tach is definitely over 3000, but again, just no accel/pull above like 65-75.

I wish I had the car here with me now... I'll have to get back to everyone after this weekend with the results of my efforts.

NO, the majority of turbo Diesels start in 1st. but to be positive, floor the car from a standstill, the button under the go pedal will force it into 1st if it was starting in 2nd.
if you are turning 4+KRPM, you are still in 3rd gear. rev limits around 4500RPM on these cars.
I think it's a few things, but certainly not getting out of 3rd gear.

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I said I think it turns 3500-4000 at that speed (I was estimating), but I don't remember exactly. (I don't drive this car all the time, only on the weekends when I go out to my parent's place)

I do know/remember for sure that it turns approx. 2500 at 55-60, like Craig said in an above post. For this reason, I am 99% sure it is reaching top gear, but again from 60mph, with your foot to the floor it just will not pull/accelerate like its supposed to. There is nothing there (no power) after about 65mph.

It would probably run OK at low rpm, sorta like a gas engine with the timing retarded. These engines will put up with a lot and still run, I once had my timing chain jump an entire tooth (long/ugly story) and it still ran (poorly). Take a look while your adjusting the valves, it's good to know the condition of your timing chain even if it's not your immediate problem.

It definitely sounds like you are in fourth gear, if you were in third the rpm would be much higher.

Your ALDA isn't getting boost it sounds like to me. Plug a boost gauge inline and make sure its getting boost.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Hey, I was just admiring your car from another post. Very beautiful machine indeed with tasteful mods/additions!

Where would I hook up the boost gauge exactly? Could you explain this one? I know where/what the ALDA is, but just wondering where you mean to hook up the gauge.

Thank you so much.

I agree with the alda isn't getting boost air. Besides checking for blockage, also check for leaks. Recently, one of the flex lines, below the overboost switch at the firewall, developed a crack and the car drove like it barely wanted to go over 70mph.

New flex lines and now that wonderful torque feeling, at 70, is back.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesaldaboostsystemservi.htm

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Nice, thank you!

Phew, someone else that had my problem!

I can't wait to get out there this weekend and figure this thing out!
Thanks for the tip on those flex lines. How did you repair them? Did you have to go to the dealer for the rubber lines, or is it just generic rubber vacuum line?

Thanks!

I'm so glad someone posted about this. My 85 wagon is anemic above 65, too (it's definitely in 4th, about 2800 rpm @ 65 mph). I adjusted the valves and got much better in-town acceleration, but no improvement on the highway.

I'll definitely clean the ALDA banjo bolt this weekend!

Also, judging from the dieselgiant photos, I recall that apparently my plastic line that goes from the banjo bolt to the switchover valve is hard and blue. Maybe it's just some warped plastic, or it's partially clogged?

__________________
-1985 300TD - 324k mi on chassis. MB "Tauschaggregat" 617 motor + 4-speed conversion
Alaska Roadtrip 2009
-2002 E320 Wagon - 197k mi
-1998 E320 Wagon - 310k mi - retired

Normal color is white. The color does not affect performance. Clogged banjo bolt will, as will a failed switchover valve. Also, check the rubber connectors on the switchover valve. I had one split while driving home. Boost one second, next second was none.

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Bamba,

Please email/PM me if you are able to fix this problem, and I will do the same. Can't wait to get at it this weekend and report back!

Thank you,

-Brian