IIRC the early security system didn't have anti-theft features. It's a novelty to see '80s MBs driving around with lights flashing and horn beeping.

There are two electrical connections at the IP. The control rod sensor on top is just that - a sensor. It has no actuator component to do anything to the IP. The ELR actuator at the tail end of the IP sets idle speed. If your engine caught but wouldn't idle, the ELR system would be a suspect. I can't think of a practical way to test ELR on an engine that won't start or convince you that it's not a factor, other than to say that engines with non-functioning ELR start but have difficulty idling if they idle at all. But they start.

I forget if you can see the cam through the oil filler hole. If you can, make sure it's turning while you crank.

Sixto
83 300SD

Thanks sixto. I'll take your word for it. No immobilized then. So then it must be mechanical. Perhaps there's some kind of blockage. So there's fuel...just not enough of it to the injectors to fire.

I've half a mind to try the wd40 trick. But where do I spray it? Open the air filter and spray and pray? And how much to spray. Can I spray then run in to start or do I need an assistant to crank it whilst I gingerly spray?


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

Wait...what you mean see the cam through oil filler hole? Surely it turns if the engine is cranking no?


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

It's possible but highly unlikely the chain broke or lost tension

This car had the trap oxidizer recall, right? Is so, the replacement oxidation catalyst might be clogged. There's a bolt that takes a 17mm socket on the #1 exhaust runner. Remove the bolt and try starting. If it catches, you might be dealing with clogged catalyst.

Does your daughter have welding skills?

Sixto
83 300SD

Yikes!!. What are you talking about? #1 exhaust runner? What does removin the bolt do? I never knew that there's a catalytic converted in my old diesel!

And er...what does welding have to do with it?


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

Just tossing some ideas here. You'd ask if there was something clogging the fuel. Your tank has a strainer in it. Ever clean it?

Not sure of your temps, but maybe you need some stuff in the fuel this time of year so it doesn't gel. I think you only need that if temps are 5 degrees and below but check.

Other than that, are cranking amps on your battery good? Maybe your battery is old and just doesn't have it for a cold start anymore, or maybe the glow plugs are weak.

Good luck.

Thanks for the ideas jbach. It doesn't start even with strong battery (can tell from speed and sound of starter) and GPs don't come into play when the engine is warm to the touch through the use of block heater.

I have to cleaned my tank strainer though. I just looked into the fuel filler hole and there's fuel. And it's moving when I shake the car. I've never had gelled fuel. Even when I was parked out in the bush (hunting, slept in landcruiser) in minus 15 to 20 centigrade. I would think the stations in BC would have anti gel in their diesel.


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

A US spec '87 300TD would been delivered we with a trap oxidizer, a bloated version of the pipe from the exhaust manifold collector to the turbo. The recall replaces the trap with a slimmer pipe and an oxidation catalyst along the exhaust system by the transmission. The catalyst can clog and I imagine it's way past warranty at this point.

The exhaust manifold has a threaded port capped by a plug by the #1 (forwardmost) cylinder. If the engine starts with the port open, the cat must be clogged. Welding comes in to replace the cat unless you want to $pend for a dealer replacement downpipe with cat.

This isn't a factor if it doesn't have US spec emissions.

Sixto
83 300SD

If the tank is relatively full, disconnect the hose upstream of the small filter. If fuel flows from the hose, there's sufficient flow to at least start. Oh cr@p, it's a wagon. The fuel tank might not be high enough for this test.

Sixto
83 300SD

Ok sixto. Firstly thanks for staying with me. I really appreciate it.

Right...wife came home got her to crank whilst I looked into oil filler hole. Everything turns as it should, I think...I've never looked inside while engine is running, but well, everything is moving inside.

Next, I took a video of the prefilter as the car is cranking. I can see fuel coming in, but it's kinda pulsing and not streaming in. Is it supposed to be like that? I guess I should've been more observant of how it looks like normally, so I can know better if it's not normal.

Anyway, here's the video.


Now ignore the slow cranking. This was after I cranked the spit out of it just now, so battery is a little weak.


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

I too think fuel may have gelled. Try an alternate fuel source with anti-gel in it. In Denver, they sell summer fuel the whole year long so don't rely on your station selling you winter fuel. Alternatively, you could put a magnetic heater on the bottom of the fuel tank and warm up the fuel.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Thanks Kerry. All the pictures I see on the web shows gelled fuel as being a sickly yellow. I looked into the fuel filler hole and see fuel that's bright blue-green.

Hmmm perhaps it gelled just in the lines.


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

Just read this thread from start to finish and would have said it's a fuel issue to begin with. Diesels are simple: A): Air B): Fuel C): Compression

Why not just keep it simple and run the return and feed from the steel lines near the driver side in a bottle with some fuel in it and see if it runs?

Also, make sure to cross plug those steel lines with a rubber hose, they'll gravity feed and make a mess with diesel fuel.

Just like Kerry said, bet your fuel gel'd. Always have anti-gel in the winter in there. I always do. It's good insurance. A lil Kerosene is a good anti-gel as well.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Jake, that sounds like a great idea. Do it just like the way I would do a diesel purge right?

Yes, I will try this in the morning when the battery is fully charged again.

Yes, right from the get-go, it "felt" like fuel issues. I'll see how it goes in the morning. I have a bottle with two holes and 2 hoses when I used to run diesel purge through my old 617. This would be the first time I do it with the 603. Same hoses right?


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

Just did it on my OM602 not too long ago. Same idea. The feed line and return steel lines that are underneath the car. Just like a Diesel Purge, no different.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k