SOS HELP!!
I'm having a little freak out as of yesterday morning when my '78 300 left me stranded for only like the second time in 6 years that i've had the car as my DD. I'm sure i could eventually trouble shoot the problem but i'm in a bit of a pinch for time this wknd. So, i;m sending out an SOS to all you diesel heads out there in hopes of getting some quick ideas.....Here's the deal.

starting yesterday morning, i couldn't get 'er started right. After trying a couple of things ( changed both fuel filters) i did eventually get it started and i drove about 100 miles with no problems. Then after i left it parked all day its hard to start again!! WTFunk?!

the new primary filter doesn't looks cucked up. i've got yet another one just in case.

I also replaced the rubber fuel lines on the inlet side from the hard line to the filter to the pump inlet.

vacuum siphoned from the hard line. Fuel flow is seemingly good.

Hand pump on the injection pump is not behaving normally. its not pumping. hard to move. back pressure.

That's the jist of whats happening.

Anybody? any Ideas??

90% of no-start conditions are caused by malfunctioning glow plugs. Do you still have the OE serial plugs in that engine? Is the glow light working? Turn the ignition to glow and look at the heavy wires between the plugs. Are they getting hot?

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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

Thanks so much for your reply. Everything with the glowplugs is stock. Glow indicator light is function normally. This problem must be in the 10% because the Plugs are Hot Cha Cha!

Take note of the hand pump symptoms. Seems a peculiar and to be symptomatic of the problem; which is sill unknown at this point.

"Can't get 'er started right" is pretty vauge, what exactly is it doing or not doing? It'll start and kind of run? Cranks but won't start at all?

Is it a new type black handled pump or old type white handled pump? Any fuel around anywhere?

What does "back pressure" mean in regards to the pump? Meaning you need to pull it back up? That says bad pump to me, could be blocking flow maybe?

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Sadly Benz-less

Are you running diesel fuel?
You may have a fuel blockage causing the primer problem.
Is your fuel system modified in any way?

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Thanks for your reply. let me elaborate. "backpressure" means that, it seems like it's spring loaded to pull the pump handle back down. when i do work the pump it's not flowing any fuel. i am familiar with the new type hand pump. I installed one on the '85.

"Can't get 'er started right" means that.. the starter is turning the engine. The first time i tried this morning it fired right up and ran for like 7 seconds before it chugged down. after that.. I keep turning the starter and it will "fire up" in short little burst every now and then but wont run.

I'd try an alternate fuel supply in a jug held high in the engine compartment to see if it makes a difference.

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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

Yes, running diesel. I do have A greasecar two tank system. I'm checking the supply valve for blockage now. Note that i vacuum siphoned right from the outlet side of the primary fuel filter and the flow seems to be unobstructed. In that, about 5 in.hg vac pressure bring fuel flowin from the stock fuel tank up through the filter.

Try bypassing your diverter valve. I've seen several of those go bad, and leak air.

Jay

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

You need to get rid of the present Hand Primer. It could be it is allowing Fuel to go back into the Fuel Tank when it sits over night.

Or it could simply be that the Fuel Supply/Lift Pump is haveing some issues. There is 2 Vavles inside of the Lift Pump that need to seal.

If you ever get you Car going; after a drive remove your Fuel Fill Cap and see if you have any Vacuum inside of the Tank. If you hear a wooshing sound; that might be Vacuum.

Fuel Delivery DIY (Hunter)
Diesel Fuel Delivery: FUEL DELIVERY DIY
Lift Pump taken apart
fuel pressure

Lift Pump, Fuel Supply Pump rebuild kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=2284880#post2284880
Lift Pump, Fuel Supply Pump about sanding the Valves has the small O-ring size
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=266857&highlight=lift+pump+kit

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

thanks for the tips y'all. i think i've narrowed it down to the primer pump. ordered a new one thata be here Wednesday.

It was the lift pump.

the primer pump is a standard bosch pump. Available (and in stock) from two places I know of all over North America

- Mack Trucks
- Volvo Trucks

I have worked for both dealers and they always have those pumps in stock. I have one from Mack on mine right now! Just go in and say you need a hand primer pump, the small one with the black handle. They may not give you a good deal on it but you can get it right away instead of waiting.

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1982 300sd, new project car to restore

It doesn't matter if you know what you're doing, as long as you look like you know what you're doing.

Thanks for the feedback Phillytwotank. Too often, folks will ask questions and when they get it fixed - never report back.

Good job.

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Codifex
1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof.
1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins)