Sorry. I haven't been here in a while. Been really busy. So, I'll recap some. I've got a '77 240D. It was running fine until we had a cold snap a year ago
The next morning it wouldn't start. It hasn't started since. It's getting fuel. It's got a new starter and new battery. I adjusted the valves. They were too tight, so it wasn't helping anything. I got a little better responce after that. It sounded like one cylinder was trying to fire. Before, it was just turning over...nothing really trying at all. It seemed like one cyl was throwing compression up thru the intake instead of sucking air. Any reasons why that might be? Is that a sign of something? Thanks in advance:

Try liberally squirting WD40 while trying to start. Also are the power brakes working? If not the diaphragm in the pump might be ruptured thereby throwing raw oil into the cylinders. The WD40 works and not as volatile as ether (starting fluid).

Do a compression test on all the cylindners. ~~PEH~~

Have you checked to see if the glow plugs are working???
William Rogers.......

Replace fuel filters and prime, loosen cap nuts on injectors and verify that fuel is being delivered. Check the rubber hoses between the steel line from the tank and the priming pump, and to the boost pump -- if they are leaking badly, you won't have any fuel in the IP!

"Chuffing" in the intake is a leaking intake valve.

You can pre-heat the intake air by aiming a LIT propane torch down the intake while cranking -- have a care not to set anything on fire while doing this, and DO NOT blow unburned propane in -- rather easy to completely cure the problem by ripping the head bolts out of the block. Not funny, I've seen it! Should light if there is fuel in there, or at least thump some.

Most likely is a fuel problem. Bleed the IP, too (small screw on the side next to the oil check cover if you have an older pump, don't know where on the new ones). Don't kill a new starter by cranking a car with no fuel delivery! Verify that fuel is pumped out of the injector lines with the cap nuts loose before you try heroic measures.

Check starting rpm, too -- must be at least 100, and if you have a rebuilt rather than new or Bosch reconditioned starter, it may not turn any faster than the old one.

Check for a dragging alternator, water pump, AC compressor, or power steering pump too -- they can slow down the starter enough to prevent the engine from starting.

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!