300sdl Idles great and then bogs down on accel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

New2MB · #1 12-29-2010, 08:36 PM

A friend of mine is considering an '87 300SDL with 250k on the odo, seems to have been relatively well cared for.

The owner states that the car starts right up, idles good and then upon acceleration it bogs down and won't go.

Unfortunately that's about all I know since I have not been out to see the car yet.

It sounds to me like it is starved for fuel so perhaps the tank strainer or possibly the IP?

I figured you guys would set me straight.

BTW, I acquired an F250 powerstroke diesel and have been frequenting those forums lately and I have now come to realize what an incredibly group of talented and courteous people reside at peachparts.com, this forum is awesome!

vstech · #2 12-29-2010, 08:42 PM

yup, nothing will make you appreciate this forum more than using a different one for a bit of time...

New2MB · #3 12-29-2010, 10:24 PM

I thought you guys would jump on this one, seems like an easy one but maybe not enough info?

It's a bit of a drive to go look at it so if you have any suggestions for things to test while I'm there (related to this issue), let me know.

Thanks!

babymog · #4 12-29-2010, 10:43 PM

If it has little power above idle, first stop is the fuel filters.

Brian Carlton · #5 12-29-2010, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2MB

I thought you guys would jump on this one, seems like an easy one but maybe not enough info?

Surely, you already know the first answer that we'll provide. In fact, you should have already given him the stock answer.

...........see 'mog above.........

New2MB · #6 12-29-2010, 11:36 PM

Well I guess it's just that simple then.

Thanks for the help guys.

Brian Carlton · #7 12-29-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2MB

Well I guess it's just that simple then.

Thanks for the help guys.

It might be that simple...........it might not.

But, filters are always the first line of attack, as you know.

If they don't work, it gets more complicated, and worthy of a post.

vstech · #8 12-29-2010, 11:38 PM

nahh. it's likely that simple, but bogging down can also be exhaust plugged up, or a clogged air filter. we just gotta have more info to get more than a likely guess.

New2MB · #9 12-30-2010, 08:33 AM

I should have said... that I simply need to go take a look at the vehicle.

I would expect that it's a bit more complicated than the filters if the vehicle was in fact taken care of as the owner states.

Then again, if it was truly well cared for I suppose it shouldn't have this issue at all.

I guess everyone has their own ideas about what "proper maintenance" means.

I'll have to go see what I can see.

Brian Carlton · #10 12-30-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2MB

I would expect that it's a bit more complicated than the filters if the vehicle was in fact taken care of as the owner states.

I thought the same thing.............

SDL fuel issues..........the trip from hell........

4thesporty · #11 12-30-2010, 09:41 AM

I believe I have seen videos of a car with a busted ALDA that stared and idled fine, but as soon as the throttle was depressed the car wouldn't do anything, just barely go above 1000 rpms.

Is the ALDA cap still in place? This might be something to check if filters don't solve the problem.

NJ300sdl · #12 12-30-2010, 02:40 PM

Could be a clogged cat. Very easy to remove the plug in the exhaust manifold located around cylinders 1 and 2 to test.

jfarmer64 · #13 12-30-2010, 08:53 PM

Agree with BabyMog, Filters are cheap and run a quart of Diesel Kleen through it. Good success with this on the 5 and 6 cyl diesels....

vstech · #14 12-30-2010, 09:11 PM

when my cat was plugged up on my 87 it would not idle for any appreciable time,and it would nearly stall when a load of any kind was attempted. pulling that plug totally changed it's behavior. No egr, and no cat now...

Diesel911 · #15 12-31-2010, 12:38 PM

If he replaces the Filters and still has the problem; on his year and model can he swap the Fuel Inlet hose with the Fuel Return Hose as can be done on the 123/617s to see if his Fuel Tank Screen is restricted?