1983 300sd sluggish start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

turbozeke418 · #1 09-10-2012, 04:23 PM

I recently purchased a 1983 300SD and its in great condition in and out. I've posted a few separate threads with issues this way any certain condition doesn't get lost. When I step on the accelerator the car seems to barely move for the first 2 seconds or so. The linkages are all working properly. There is nothing wrong with the grommets or linkages. I cleaned out the ALDA banjo bolt and the banjo bolt to the back of the engine even though each was spotless. Is this just normal for the car? I don't notice it with my N/A 1980 300TD.

rscurtis · #2 09-10-2012, 05:53 PM

Verify that it's starting in first gear.

turbozeke418 · #3 09-10-2012, 06:10 PM

It is starting in first gear. I feels to be shifting through all 4.

Secondaries · #4 09-10-2012, 06:25 PM

turbozeke418, please see my reply in the other thread you started. I'm 99% sure this will solve your problems! PM me if you need any help!

ibenz · #5 09-10-2012, 06:40 PM

my car does this too... the problem goes away for me if you turn the ignition 3 times off and on before you start it... my car only does it after i drive it... its seems to be a vacuum pressure issue or something for me. not sure if this helps your situation but i can relate.

Secondaries · #6 09-11-2012, 03:30 PM

turbozeke418, one more (slightly more difficult) piece of maintenance is probably required. Do you hear a lot of valvetrain noise? I'm guessing the valves need to be adjusted. When I did mine, the car felt quite a bit more peppy. It's a very important adjustment, albeit often overlooked. There are many threads on how it's done. All you need is some wrenches and a valve cover gasket. If you don't want to spend $$$ on the wrenches, well.... See my sig. More than happy to help in any way possible.

By the way.. That is a mighty fine looking wagon. Seems somewhat familiar...

turbozeke418 · #7 09-11-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Secondaries

turbozeke418, one more (slightly more difficult) piece of maintenance is probably required. Do you hear a lot of valvetrain noise? I'm guessing the valves need to be adjusted. When I did mine, the car felt quite a bit more peppy. It's a very important adjustment, albeit often overlooked. There are many threads on how it's done. All you need is some wrenches and a valve cover gasket. If you don't want to spend $$$ on the wrenches, well.... See my sig. More than happy to help in any way possible.

I did this on my 300TD when I first got it and it made a little difference. I still have the shims and tools SOMEWHERE. I need to did them up. Then I just need to find the booklet too so I know the proper settings. I'm terrible with keeping stuff together and honestly treat my tools like crap lol. I ordered a valve cover gasket with some other things so as soon as its in I'll do one.

Secondaries · #8 09-11-2012, 03:41 PM

Shims? I guess you're talking about feeler gauges. 617a turbo valve clearances: 0.10mm (Intake) 0.35mm (Exhaust) COLD ENGINE.

vstech · #9 09-11-2012, 04:18 PM

you may have a plugged fuel filter. the SD has a taller ratio in the diff than the 80w123 would have. so it'll never feel as spry off the line. however, it should not be sluggish. and it should pull strong as the turbo power builds.
you may need the alda shimmed, or adjusted.

turbozeke418 · #10 09-11-2012, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

you may have a plugged fuel filter. the SD has a taller ratio in the diff than the 80w123 would have. so it'll never feel as spry off the line. however, it should not be sluggish. and it should pull strong as the turbo power builds.
you may need the alda shimmed, or adjusted.

I just checked with the PO and he did a valve adjustment a month ago and replaced all fuel filters. I took off the air cleaner and the air filted was loaded with oil and looked old. There was alot of oil in it too. So I don't know if he's just saying he did the valve job or actually did one. Once the car gets over 10 mph it goes and keeps pulling. I was just really surprised at how slow it is up to 10 mph compared to the non turbo W123.

How do I adjust the ALDA? I've seen posts about a screw or something but couldn't find anything that would adjust?

Secondaries · #11 09-11-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbozeke418

I just checked with the PO and he did a valve adjustment a month ago and replaced all fuel filters. I took off the air cleaner and the air filted was loaded with oil and looked old. There was alot of oil in it too. So I don't know if he's just saying he did the valve job or actually did one. Once the car gets over 10 mph it goes and keeps pulling. I was just really surprised at how slow it is up to 10 mph compared to the non turbo W123.

How do I adjust the ALDA? I've seen posts about a screw or something but couldn't find anything that would adjust?

ALDA is the square piece on the top of the injector pump, towards the firewall. Stock it has a metal protecting sleeve/cover on it, this needs to be removed. Loosen the 10mm locknut, adjust with flathead screwdriver. Hold screw in place when you tighten locknut. Go 1/4 turn at a time until it feels good to you. If you see black smoke on take off, you have gone too far.

turbozeke418 · #12 09-11-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Secondaries

ALDA is the square piece on the top of the injector pump, towards the firewall. Stock it has a metal protecting sleeve/cover on it, this needs to be removed. Loosen the 10mm locknut, adjust with flathead screwdriver. Hold screw in place when you tighten locknut. Go 1/4 turn at a time until it feels good to you. If you see black smoke on take off, you have gone too far.

OK...so I need to remove the four phillips head screws that hold the top on and the adjustment parts are underneath that?

Secondaries · #13 09-11-2012, 06:36 PM

Nope! The round piece on top of it. Don't unbolt anything. See the round piece with the Bosch logo? That has to come off.

toomany MBZ · #14 09-11-2012, 06:46 PM

No, remove the black plastic cap, loosen the lock nut, turn the screw counter clock wise a half turn.

If there is no black cap, it has been adjusted.

Mine has been adjusted.

turbozeke418 · #15 09-11-2012, 06:54 PM

you guys are F'n great!!!! Thank you. I'll check that out later tonight.