Just got a new Benz - 1984 300D!

[rgnprof]

Someone just gave me a 1984 300D Turbo - really, they just wanted to get rid of it and they knew I liked old Benz's...

It needs some work, but it's actually in great shape - 135K miles, body and interior are in great shape. Has the usual vacuum problems and he has tried to fix some of them and has left the work undone.

Main issue though, is the rough idle and hard starting - although I haven't seen it smoking. It starts and idles better the more it warms up, but I clearly hear some nailing (I think - although I have never been sure exactly what "nailing" sounds like) and I can smell some unburnt diesel fuel coming from somewhere (exhaust, probably??).

My main question has to do with the injectors. I'm sure these are original injectors and I am looking for some advice on whether to replace, remove and take somewhere locally to have them rebuilt, or try replacing the nozzles myself. I have a local Delco Diesel shop and they gave me an 'up to $55/injector' to clean, rebuild if necessary and pop test. What do you guys think - is this my best option? Also, should I replace the glow plugs as a maintenance item? I noticed the glow plug dash light does not come on when you turn the key on - any ideas? Any advice?

I'll post some pics when I get it cleaned up.

Thanks.
Ryan

PS - I am not a stranger to diesels MB's, having owned a 1978 300D before giving it to my nephew. Kind of excited to have another diesel in the fold!

[Junkman]

Start with valve adjustment. Check glow plugs. Change oil & fuel filters. Put some Startron in the tank. Make sure tires and brakes are good. Search Italian tune up. See where you are then.

Go back and fix what you find.

I just re-read. Glowplug light is USUALLY a bad GP which would explain poor cold starting & running. You can check them with an ohm meter without removing. You get better information by pulling them and hooking battery cables to the GP. They get HOT. Do not burn yourself. I've taken to replacing 1. If 2 or more are bad, the set gets dumped. I keep the old ones that glow test good in case. Ream the holes. Buy Bosch only.

[Zacharias]

Originally Posted by rgnprof

I noticed the glow plug dash light does not come on when you turn the key on - any ideas? Any advice?

Congrats on the 'new' car.

If the glowplug dash light isn't coming on that may mean the preglow relay is isn't working. Take the cover off and check that
- the plugs/connectors inside are seated properly, and
- the strip fuse is intact.

If all these look ok then check for voltage at the glow plugs when you activate the glow system.