Hi All,
I have a 1985 300SD which has developed the odd problem of choking going up hills when it's cold outside (I live in DC, so maybe 20s-30s F). I have noticed that on cold days the engine seems to sputter when going up hills, even on the freeway going 70 mph up even moderate hills it seems like the engine is not getting enough gas or the transmission is slipping. Any ideas what this might be and how to go about diagnosing it?
Thanks for any info,
Jim

What type of fuel are you using? If you are using a biodiesel blend it could be geling.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Your up hill starvation is classis clogged fuel filter. And if it's only happening when it's cold you must have some biodiesel or veggie oil blended in. If you're not running any biodiesel or veggie oil it's time for a new fuel filter. If you are running blended fuel it's time to cut it down some more. I typically switch to B20 when temps start getting below freezing at night, anything higher and you start experiencing hard cold starts and clogged filters.

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Whens the last time you changed fuel filters?

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Well, I only run out-of-the pump diesel in it. It has been maybe a one and a half years since I swapped the filters...maybe 10k miles. But I got extra filters and they're cheap, I'll give it a go.
Thanks guys,

Hey also, do any of you guys use fuel additives Biobor etc?

I use Startron Enzyme Fuel Treatment.

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Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
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