Since I'm not relying on the car, I haven't cranked it that way more than three or four times. I know they wear out but it's not going to be driven that way the rest of its life.

I've never even touched a valve adjustment in my life before so I have no idea about that, but glowplug diagnosis is the first thing I'll do next time I see the car.

It's got a brand new air filter in it, and the tank strainer was replaced when the tank was cleaned when we took it out of the car last month. The car came to us three months ago and we're still learning it. So all the first-ownership filters-and-cleanings are taken care of except that valve adjustment. 603s don't need one so I'm completely ignorant of them and my dad's never done it on a MB diesel before. We probably don't have the tools.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Okay, depending on your dexterity you can use stubby 14mm's. I have the bent ones that I purchased that way, I'm "down" with that, just adjusted 'em on the CD with a helper the other day.
Some folks have made their own.
If you're not comfortable doing it or leaning how, have someone else adjust them.
The biggest trick is getting the cam cover back on.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

4 new glowplugs later, she's starting like a new engine. I'm... somewhat bothered that these things are that dependent on the heat compared to the diesels I'm familiar with -- our Bobcat will start on a 20 degree day without even hitting the glowplugs AT ALL faster than the Mercedes (either of them) after a preheat. But --- you were all right, the pie is on my face, and glow plugs were the problem despite my theoretical skepticism. I bow to experience -- Thanks.

__________________


~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL