I have a 1982 300D that runs great after its been started but for some reason it won't start without giving it a little bit of gas. I had the glow plugs inspected and they are all fine. If I don't push the gas pedal a little bit it will idle really rough for a few seconds and then shuts down.

Anyone familiar with this issue (total diesel noob here)?

push the diesel pedal next time.

Try changing your filters. Maybe bump up your idle if you need to. Dirty injectors. Air leaks in fuel system.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Pls clarify what you have to do to start it.

Do you mean it starts quicker if you hold the pedal down while cranking, or it absolutely won't start unless you do so?

If it starts quicker that way, in my experience that isn't unusual on cars with more than 200k. If it won't start without a squirt, that is an issue for sure.

The admiral's advice is completely correct, but unless it's getting worse I would not be concerned about it.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

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most folks experience this during winter

check your idle rpm,..if low..raise for 50




*I suppose that after 5-10 min you don't have to push pedal anymore..??


cheers ...and welcome!

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w126 500SEC gen II euro, powered by OM617 turbo stolen from 84 300SD 2.88 diff,EGR blinded
next wish/project: w114 coupe OM603 powered

When I start it with no juice it will idle really low and rough for about ten seconds then it just shuts down. I have to give it a little bit of diesel every time I start it. The car has 238K miles on it and runs great.

Thanks for your help guys, I really appreciate it.

Sorry could not resist
sling blade - YouTube

Favorite line ever

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

How old are the fuel filters and air filter? (What rs899 said, etc.)

What's the idle speed showing on the tach? And is there a difference in idle speed between idle in neutral and in gear?

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Try pumping the hand pump 8-10 times before attempting a start and advise if that makes a difference.

You have to pump the accelerator pedal 3-4 times to fill the carburetor bowl, hold it at half throttle and crank the engine over...PFFFTT, I couldn't resist! HAHA.

Seriously, it sounds like the idle is set too low or there is air in the fuel lines.

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

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he has K-Jetronic


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w126 500SEC gen II euro, powered by OM617 turbo stolen from 84 300SD 2.88 diff,EGR blinded
next wish/project: w114 coupe OM603 powered

Bang a rubber chicken on the tailpipe, and throw a handful of salt from your right hand over your left shoulder.

Then check the rack damper adjustment. If it's set to"too smooth" slow starting can be experienced.

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James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k