It looks like bad plugs are causing my starting problem on my "85D Turbo. It looks like removing the injector lines will give me more room to work. Is this a good idea or not? Thanks........

Them be fighting words on this forum. I'll throw the first blow. No, there is no need to remove the injector lines. Make sure you stuff rags in the deep canyons below the glowplugs because you are sure to drop a nut down there.

Big handed people will land the second blow.

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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

Since I can manage to drop the little Glow Plug Nuts even with the Fuel Injection Line Removed; I can say that I "need" to have the Fuel Injection Lines removed.
But, this also means not forgetting bleed the Air out of the Fuel Injection Lines after you put them back on.

Don't forget to Ream or otherwise clean the Carbon out of the Glow Plug Holes (a couple of threads on that).
I also put a Never-Seez type compound on the threads of the Glow Plug so they come out easier the next time.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

look over your situation and decide for yourself if you really need to remove the lines.
I tried it both ways, and if i'm in a hurry, I do it just with the lines in place, but pull the metal clips out of the way (they are SHARP!!!) I second the rag in the IP valley, to catch the nuts you will drop.
if the nuts on your lines are buggered, be prepared to slip a wrench if you decide to remove the lines first.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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1987 560SL convertible
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1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

If your in a hurry remove the lines. Otherwise you can spend hours of cursing your bad back because you got stuck on #3 or #5.

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I have never been able to do #5 without the injector line off. I've done 1-4 with them on (and I have big hands).

I just do 1-4 with the lines on and then loosen #5 injector line and the bolts holding them together and flip it over the other ones.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

I would measure resistance on all the glow plugs first to determine which ones need replacement - use Dieselgiant's how-to on this subject. He does a good job explaining the troubleshooting procedure.

You may find that only the first or the last GP needs to be removed and replaced - if so, you probably won't need to pull the hard lines off for that. I fretted taking the hard lines off for a long time but eventually I had to take them off to measure compression on the engine and it really was not so bad.

IF you decide to take them off - make sure you apply plenty of time and patience - you don't want to cross-thread anything there as they may be under slight tension. You'll need to bleed the air out of them once you're done. Make sure you have a strong battery as you'll need to crank a while before it starts.

Good luck -
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

The Cross-threading issue is a good point to bring up.

When instlling all of the Fuel Injection Lines thread them all on by hand before you do any tightening.
Tighten the lines on the Fuel Injection Pump first; crank and bleed the air at the Injectors and then tighten the Nuts there.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel