Originally Posted by Phil_F_NM

I met forum member Smile123 this afternoon and had a look at her 1991 350 SD Turbo.
The car has had an OM617 Turbo stuck in, in place of the old 6 cyl engine.
The story is after the work, the car ran well for less than a month then had some issues then died.

When I found it today, the glow plug relay was unplugged from the harness (so that explains some difficult starting.)
The negative terminal on the battery was both cracked and the battery was dead as a stone. Wouldn't take a charge at all.
A replacement battery with a very good charge was found and the engine cranked. Not strong, but it cranked.
Glow plugs are working. The relay light comes on and the relay doesn't stick. Also the fuel is being heated up and pushed out the exhaust cause there is smoldering smoke coming from the car.

I bled the injector lines a few times so fuel is definitely getting there.

No matter what we did today, the car would turn over but not fire up.

I only had a few hours with the car today but next time I want to get it started then do a diesel purge.

Should I adjust the valves before we attempt to start it again? I know it can't hurt but I'm itching to get the car started and get it back on the road. Speaking of, I really should pull the valve cover to check the status of the timing chain and camshaft (in case of any catastrophic issues but there was nothing like that to speak of that I know of.)

So, to the forum, what else should I be looking at and for just to get this started?

Thanks all.
Phil Forrest

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

It doesn't matter what you do to the engine if you can't provide a fast enough cranking action for it to start.

My Ford 7.3 PSD will not start on a weak set of batteries, any more than my 3.0 liter MB turbodiesel will.

Would suggest you put a new battery in.