Try pullingthe vacuum hose offthe shutoff valve. I have had a similar issue in my sd when the shutoff valve was partially on. It will run but it is restricting fuel flow.

Good call! I had the same thing. The switch in the dash was leaking and the car would run slower and slower. Eventually the engine would run for 10-15 minutes and shut down!

when was the last time you changed the fuel filters?

Probably a given, but have you cleaned out the banjo bolt on the side of the intake manifold recently?

Maybe I'm missing something, and I know there have been posts that this is a miracle "cure", but how do you get the fuel boost with it removed? Without an adjustment to the IP, or possibly the injectors, how does this accomplish the function of fuel boost during increased turbo boost?

The ALDA limits the amount of fuel. By removing it you always have full enrichment which you control with your foot. In other words instead of ALDA limiting the amount of black smoke you make until the boost comes on, you need to do that with the pedal.

Hope that answers the question...:D

Thx.

My '83 300SD's power problem was at low RPM - off the line it was pitiful. I befriended Mike Gartoff the shop foreman at Park Place Mercedes-Benz on Lemmon Avenue in Dallas, Texas, by asking for advice occasionally on how to work on my SD. Mike loaned me the special sized hand wrenches to R & R my SD's oil lines once, and when I successfully changed them in my garage by myself - Mike knew I was a dedicated DIY wrench.

On one trip to the dealership, I related my power woes on my SD, so we took a short ride in it. At one point he put my car in neutral - told me not to be disturbed that he was going to floor the engine to rev it up to a high RPM. Well, whatever he was testing for he didn't disclose, but we returned to the dealership whereby I saw him loosen a set screw on the port side of the engine, and give a screw about 3/4 turn in. He sent me on my way at no charge, since he knew I was a true MB diesel head.

Well, ever since that moment, my SD was more driveable without having to floor the fuel feed every time I took off from a start. Whatever that set screw advancing did to my SD, it lasted just fine for the next 100K+ miles I owned and drove it. It made all the difference in the world to my SD in that specific case.

WHunter has posted a comprehensive list of things to check on your SD. I never professed to be an expert on an SD, but I know what worked on my car.

Just to make sure, when you removed the ALDA what did you do with the line from the intake manifold to the ALDA? It sounds to me like you have a leak.

WHunter
Can you explain this? I'm not sure where to find it. Thanks
Stretch the injection bypass valve spring to a rest length of 27 MM.

I hooked the line from the manifold to the overboost sensor. But now the car seems to be stuck in 1st gear.

There is a rod that sticks up once the ALDA is removed, make sure this is in the UP position. If down, the vehicle will turn into a complete turd.

You may need pliers wrapped with a rag so as to not mar the rod.

BTDT.

Stretch the spring, release tension, measure and repeat as needed..


Fuel injection pump starvation with good a good lift pump
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/247039-fuel-injection-pump-starvation-good-lift-pump-post2391845.html

Any chance of a picture of the location of this spring?

Answer
 

Post# 9 in the following thread.

Fuel injection pump starvation with good a good lift pump
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=2391845

wheres the crankcase vent going to?