Looking for someone who really knows these engines; first question would be whether the IP is even adjustable for timing on an OM603 or is it electronically controlled?

I am not looking to adjust one, just trying to get to the bottom of a running problem on an acquaintance's car and a supposed diagnosis from a shop out of town. From my memory of owning this model, the IP timing was not adjustable manually like it is on an OM617 or other older MB diesels. Hoping someone can clear this up(?)

Also, what type of problem with that IP would cause a fuel starvation problem that causes a severe lack of power?

TIA. There is a lot more info on forums about the simpler IP on the older models.

Is he getting an alda signal? That's always the 1 cuprit. The idle control is electronic, that is it. It is manually timed.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Injection timing is adjustable by moving pump. Loosen front and back fasteners, adjuster is on top at front of pump, outboard.

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Present
1987 300SDL
1991 300SL
1990 560SEL
2001 ML320

Past
1969 200D 1979-82
1983 300SD 1984-85
1972 250C 1982-02
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1997 S320 2012

Adjusting the pump is cake on the 60x series. The above poster outlined it, but you need an AB light o get it perfect last I checked. Or the drip method. I'd double check the Alda lines.

Lack of power could be a clogged trap oxidizer. Easy way to check is to remove the exhaust manifold plug at #1 cylinder.

Good call. Not just trap ox but the cat can be as well. Both tested as described.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Thanks to everyone for the responses! Can you elaborate on this plug, where exactly is it and what am I looking for? The vehicle in question does not have a TO, (at least not anymore), so would this still be something to look into? Thx.

..

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

What year and model is this???
Some have common issues that cause lack of power (not related to timing).



.

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You have a point about unqualified people wrenching on machinery, but I am not working on this vehicle. As clearly stated in my OP, it belongs to an acquaintance and it's sitting in a shop where they are telling him that it needs a new IP. I'm extremely skeptical of this and therefore started this thread to educate myself on this model before talking to the shop. You may want to improve your reading comprehension before unleashing your piehole next time.

I believe that it's an engine from a 1987 300SDL installed into a 1987 300TD wagon. Assuming that the engine itself is healthy, (good compression, etc.), what are the common issues that cause poor performance? How exactly does the ALDA function on this model, similar to the older diesels? Or is there an electronic component to it? TIA.

Forget I attempted to help.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Then help and don't be an ass hole about it. The exhaust manifold is "the hot thing on the passenger side"?? Better yet, get lost. There are more qualified people here to help.

You should be skeptical.

Do not leave the vehicle in that shop. It's 99% certain that the IP is not the problem. Those without the troubleshooting skills will always point to the IP and they are always wrong (with the one exception being when the IP is run with WVO).

He's actually very qualified...........you ought not to toss out the baby with the bath water.

The fuel filters have both been changed? Almost always the first thing to do even if a person thinks they are okay.