I found a 86 300SDL for cheap that my uncle is interested in.. the owner says he had the head rebuilt, new timing chain, water pump, injection pump re-timed by Bosch, and a new radiator recently.. looks good, starts good, odometer says 185K but the steering wheel and seats say differently I think.. or someone just had really rough hands to make that steering wheel as smooth as glass.

The problem is, the damn thing cant even get out of its own way. Its as slow as a non turbo 123 300D.. Im not even sure if I hear the turbo spooling.

I think I can get it for a song and a dance, but I want to make sure this isnt any idications of -serious- mechanical problems. It sounds good, shifts good, but just slower than hell.

Any advise?

The first thing that comes to mind is a blocked boost signal line to the ALDA. Consistent with that would be absolutely no smoke behind the vehicle on hard acceleration.

If you get lots of smoke and no power, then there may be a serious issue, like low compression, bad turbo or something. I wonder if a turbo ever gets bad enough to seize, or if it just gets really loud and squealy? If it seized, I would think that would really kill performance big time.

Ken300D

I agree with Ken. Last year I purchased an '86 SDL. I removed the manifold to replace the glow plugs and found the inside of the manifold coated with oily black residue. The port to the ALDA was blocked. I soaked the manifold and cleaned the port, what a difference.

Tom

Hey, TD. Any model with an active EGR is highly susceptible to the ALDA line clogging. Very common apparently. Good news is that slow car may sell for less while becoming fast with minor touch. Good luck.

Yeah, sounds like you could pull a fast one on this guy!

If it doesn't smoke, the engine is fine. A bad turbo bearing will sometimes squeal, and sometimes not. And it should belch some white/blue oil smoke. Easy to check when you get it home. Get access to the turbo shaft and wiggle it. Shouldn't move hardly at all. If it rattles around, it is shot. Get a new one and enjoy!

__________________
Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


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