When I started my 81 SD yesterday, I didn't notice that the red vacuum hose to the IP was disconnected. It wouldn't stop when I took out the key (duh) and it wouldn't respond to the stop lever. I took off the air cleaner hose and covered the turbo intake with the sole of a rubber slipper (well cleaned first).

For future reference, what are safe ways to shut off the engine if the stop lever won't do it? Is there a problem if the stop lever doesn't work?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

Sixto:

If the idle speed is normal, you probably just didn't lean down hard enough on the stop lever. You have to push HARD to get the engine to stop.

The only safe thing to do in an emergency is to loosen the cap nuts on the injectors and vent the fuel off. Not pretty, plan on getting soaked in fuel if the engine is off idle, but effective. Used to be a severe problem on the old vacuum governor models when replacing the vaccuum diaphram -- it is possible to get it all back together "properly" without the control rod connected to the diaphram, so the engine went to full throttle and eventually blew up (only takes a minute or so), even under load! Fuel cutoff wasn't connected, either! Had to get at least two off, three on the five cylinder to stop it. You do carry the correct size wrench in you back pocket at all times, don't you?

If it shuts off with the vacuum line attached you can shut it off with the lever, just push down hard.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!