Short version: Has anyone ever experienced cold-temperature-related problems, or problems due to big changes in ambient temps, with their shutoff on an OM617 (or 616)? We have had several violent temperature swings over the last week (from almost 40 deg F down to -9 F in about 24 hours, then back up to 23 F).

Full story: Yesterday when I left work the '85 300d wouldn't start at -15 deg C (about 5 F). It was plainly not getting any fuel. No smoke when cranking, and when I tried the primer pump I was pumping air. I had to have it towed home.

This morning, after a night on the block heater, it started right away at -10 deg F. I suspected some water in my fuel filter(s).

As I didn't want a repeat of last night, I left the car idling all day in the parking lot at work.

Today the weather turned much warmer during the late afternoon. When I left work it was around 23 deg F.

Now it won't shut off unless I use the lever under the hood. I checked and the line is connected. No evidence of oil from the area of the ignition. That was as much as I could do in the dark and cold tonight.

In the past, when I have had a shutoff valve fail on other cars it gradually started slowing down until it failed completely. This one has given no warning, assuming it is the valve. I will have to figure out where I hid my Mityvac and test it tomorrow.

In the meantime: any ideas, suggestions?

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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