If this engine ingested a lot of Ether in the past, something bad may have happened to it.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

As in two days ago when I tried to use it? It wasn't much. And it never ignited.

If it didn't ignite with Ether, I don't know what will.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Not sure, I had the glowplugs disconnected, so it would have to ignite by pressure alone. At -15C maybe it just wasn't cranking fast enough for ether to work.

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1987 300E

Timing and injector spray pattern.

If you break the injection pump gasket while adjusting it takes more time to clean & replace it(soak with PB blaster first to help prevent this one)

Get some injector cores, or find someone who will sell you rebuilts with a core charge. Balanced injectors with new nozzles will make a HUGE difference.

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Just had the injectors rebuilt by a certified bosch deisel shop with Monark nozzles.
The timing wouldn't stop the ether from igniting, I think it may be that it isn't cranking fast enough or the compression just isn't good enough for these temperatures. I'll have to get the compression tested at some point. The timing I don't see being an issue because it starts up perfect above the freezing point, and it accelerates to 60mph in 15s which is right.

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1987 300E

It's also more than possible that the starting fluid I bought had very low amounts of ether in it and was garbage and only meant for gas engines.

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1987 300E

Hahah some good discussion about ether usage here: Using ether to start engines

Ok I got it running. It warmed up to -10C (14F) this afternoon. I tested the glowplugs (all around 1 ohm). Checked to make sure the plugs were still getting power when I was cranking (something I thought might not be happening).

When I started cranking it took about 5 seconds and then started firing a bit, so I gave it a little throttle. I think that snuffed it out. I didn't stop cranking though, after about another 5 seconds it started firing again, then after another 10 to 15 seconds of cranking the rpm went up and it was running.

It's weird, because the engine was warm from being plugged in. (The IP was not warm). Yet a couple weeks ago I left it outside all day at -10C unplugged and it started within 10 seconds.

I do know that if it fails to start from being too cold, it is really hard to get it running again, even with a warmed up engine. This has happened several times now.

Maybe because the rings lose their lubricant seal? Or maybe it's something to do with the injection pump. What a finicky dame!

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1987 300E

Hmmm I would make sure all my filters and seals are good and fill up with 50/50 diesel/kerosene mix. That made a world of difference for my dad's 300SD. Maybe you've been down this path before though.

What about your tank strainer?

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

The diesel in Canada is refined to be good down to -45C. Plus I'm using a double dose of Power Service white bottle for a 4 cetane increase. Kersene has a lower cetane rating than plain diesel so it won't make it easier to start - just keeps straight #2 from gelling in the cold.

Filters are all new. Tank is clean I'm sure. Car only has 80K on it and there's never a problem with fuel starvation. If I take the line off it flows no problem. Plus once it starts up it drives no problem.

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1987 300E

I wouldn't think it would be a compression issue because the engine kicks when you shut it off, and it shuts off instantly. Mercedes mechanic said the blowby was normal.

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1987 300E

My dad was putting in the Power Service stuff too. His engine has a bit more than yours, maybe 80-100K. It was a rebuilt that was installed in the car just before we bought it.

Kerosene made a big difference for him. According to the 82 manual MB recommends 50/50 mix below 15F. Granted that was 30 years ago!

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

Yeah but in the US they have this #1 and #2 diesel. We just have ours refined for the season. Kerosene is #1 diesel, so basically this has already been done for me.

From what I've read the diesel 35 years ago was also refined for a higher cetane rating than it is today. I assume because all the newer diesels start so much easier in the cold?

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1987 300E

Having a terrible time with my 300SD. A week ago I finally got it going and added some gas and diesel conditioner. Got it running Thursday, and no more. Sprayed carb cleaner in, doesn't even sputter. Temp in the 30's today and no start. Am I missing something?
One other thing. When it starts after all this crap, you can shut it off right away and it will start right up.

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1984 MB 300SD Turbo