Based upon input from other forum members in previous posts, I've decided that the rough cold start/nailing/unburned diesel smoke that my '83 300D is experiencing is due to one or more dirty or clogged injectors. The car has only 126k miles on it, but I don't know if the injectors have ever been serviced and I've ruled out the other usual suspects (valves, glow plugs, etc.)

So, I'm looking for a reputable shop in Houston to do the injector service. There is a Bosch service shop a couple of miles from me (M&D Distributors on Shepherd) that sounds like a good choice, but when I was about to have this work done over the summer I drove the car up there and, while they said they could do the work, from the way they talked ("Yeah, I think we could do this") I got the impression that they mostly service truck diesel engines.

Another possibility is ******** Stuttgart on Antoine. I have read good things about them and have even gone there to purchase a part from them in a pinch once before. They work on Mercedes only, but to my knowledge are not a certified Bosch shop. Last time I was there I asked them if they could clean and test my injectors and they said "yes".

Oh, and I'm limiting this to places here in town because this is my daily driver and I can't afford the extra time it would take to mail them to someone, etc.

So, what should I do? Should I take it to the specialized certified Bosch injector shop that doesn't see many MB diesel cars, or should I take it to a Mercedes-only shop that doesn't necessarily specialize in injectors?

Check here http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/texas/

There's many listings in the state of Texas, and one listed may be near you.

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

Thanks, I did check that but there were no specific recommendations for injector service in Houston.

I swapped mine out this spring for the first time...similar to yours mileage wise...but rebuilt them myself. I grabbed 5 injectors off flea bay - they weren't rebuilt but that way I had a set to work on and not take the car out of service. I'd suggest having you try to do the same - get a spare set and then have C Sean Watts rebuild a set for you...from there it's a really straightforward process of swapping them out (use new crush washers!) The side benefit is I have an extra set of injectors now that I can rebuild also. The improvement was remarkable by the by. Today was the first really copld day (18 degrees) and the car fired right up after about 1o seconds of cranking -- much better than last winter -- w/o the use of a block heater.

******** Stuttgart on Antoine; I would them if they Rebuild the Injectors right there at their shop or if they send them out to do them.
Also If they do rebuild them there I would not mind asking for a tour of the Shop.
Besides a Diesel Nozzles Tester I would hope to see a Lapping plate and an Exceptionally clean area where they do the Injector Work (does not need to be a big area).

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I just ordered a set of new monarch injectors from Sean. Costs a bit more than rebuild but I'm in this for the long haul. This will be the first time to service the originals (except for one that failed a few years ago).

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

[QUOTE=jdh122;2358688]Based upon input from other forum members in previous posts, I've decided that the rough cold start/nailing/unburned diesel smoke that my '83 300D is experiencing is due to one or more dirty or clogged injectors. The car has only 126k miles on it, but I don't know if the injectors have ever been serviced and I've ruled out the other usual suspects (valves, glow plugs, etc.)

So, I'm looking for a reputable shop in Houston to do the injector service. There is a Bosch service shop a couple of miles from me (M&D Distributors on Shepherd) that sounds like a good choice, but when I was about to have this work done over the summer I drove the car up there and, while they said they could do the work, from the way they talked ("Yeah, I think we could do this") I got the impression that they mostly service truck diesel engines.

Hi
I've had several experiences with M&D. They resealed my Maxima diesel pump and rebuilt the injectors. My brother had his Dodge Cummings injectors done there. They did good work but the charges were quite high & I feel that they tend to go ahead and rebuild things that really don't need to be rebuilt to get a larger ticket. For example my Maxima diesel was running fine and I just sent the injectors to be checked as a precaution even through the little tits showed no wear (Nissan Injectors only) And they rebuilt all of them - after which the engine still ran just as before.

I also called them about my 1985 300td and they told me they didn't work on Mercedes injection pumps But I didn't ask about Mercedes injectors

If your injectors are worn - cleaning & testing won't solve the problem - you will also need new nozzles. You might want to check your compression also.

Good Luck,
Joseph

It's interesting that you mention the high rates. When I spoke to them last summer they quote me a price of "around $300" to do the job, and that was with me supplying my own Monark nozzles. This sounded a little steep to me, which is one of the reasons I put off having it done.

I used the M & D location on Navigation last year to clean an injector. I removed all 5 injectors and took them in. They checked all 5 at $12 each for $60 total and found 1 to be in need of service. The service on that 1 bad injector cost me $80+ if memory serves correctly.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

I had not been to the Junk Yard for anything Diesel for about 10 years. I bought a setof used Injectors on eBay. They needed to be rebuilt. Never, believe that running pull stuff. Your Engine can run on crappy Injectors.


When I finally when to the Junk Yard I found that they only wanted $5 per each Injector. Way less than on eBay.
My conclusion was if you want a set of cores to rebuild on. Get them at the Junk Yard. They will cost less.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Some places are selling entirely New Monark Injectors (the complete Injector) for around $80 each.
I believe C Sean Watts is also selling the New Injectors. The above price quote does not include Seans price. It a price I have seen at other part places on the internet.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I do have some new ones. Thanks for the mention - BTW.

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1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!