300SDL Died While Running and Won't Start
 

I was driving my 87 300SDL to work the other morning when suddenly all of the dash lights came on and the car died. The engine would turn over, but the car wouldn't start. I got a tow back home and began looking at it a few days later.

I noticed that the inline fuel filter appeared clogged, so I replaced it along with the spin-on filter; however, I can't get the car to start.

I'm getting fuel at the spin-on filter and to the IP. I haven't checked if the injectors are getting fuel. I've cranked the engine enough that all of the air should be out of the fuel system. There appears to be a small fuel leak from one of the rubber hoses, so I plan on replacing all of those. I haven't had a chance to check the hard lines from the tank for leaks but haven't seen any indications of them leaking previously. I replaced the tank strainer a few thousand miles ago. The glow plugs are working and were replaced several thousand miles ago. The battery is less than a year old and is holding a charge. The air filter isn't clogged.

Before this the car exhibited no odd electrical problems or really any problems. It hasn't been sitting for an extended period as I've been driving it most days.

I did find an exhaust leak that I plan on fixing.

What else should I check to get the car started? Once it's started I'll test the alternator to make sure it didn't die.

If you opened up the fuel delivery system, you need to verify fuel
is indeed getting to the injectors.

When you get fuel at injectors you should be good to go. Loosen each line at the injector and crank engine over, pause for a few minutes and then do it again. You want to protect the starter. Once you get fuel out of one of the lines button it up and continue the same till engine starts. A healthy engine will start with 3 or 4 of then tightened up in my experience.

If the inline fuel filter is clogged, I would suspect you got a bad load of fuel when you refueled, or something is growing inside of your fuel tank and restricting your fuel tank screen.

You have 3 filters
 

You have 3 filters.

One in the fuel tank that is a mesh filter, then in the engine compartment there's a small pre-filter, then you have the big filter. I was told the pre-filters should be changed 3 times during the time you have the big filter. The big filter (from memory) is supposed to be changed every 12,000 miles, so when you change that, change the small one too, and mark the small one with a #1 on it with a magic marker. 4,000 miles later change the small one out and mark it as #2, etc.

Aside from fuel filters, is the fuel pump bad?

I replaced the tank filter a few thousand miles ago. The old one looked fine.

The car sat for several years and a small amount of rust formed in the tank. It's been slowly working its way out.

The rubber return line was brittle and had a hole in it that was causing a leak. Fixed that and found another leak in the clear fuel line from the lift pump. Plan to pull the lift pump and check its seals.

Any recommendations on what to use to replace the clear fuel lines?

I believe that car has a cat or trap oxidizer. Make sure not plugged

If you het the area that is shoved over the nippkes while pulling on it you ae left with a banjo fitting with the nipple on it. Do that to the ote side.

Replace it with rubber hose and hose clamps. I believe 1/4-inch works. You will need 4 new crush washers for the banjos.

Realized I never replied back to this thread.

Issue ended up being a seized alternator. Put a new belt and alternator on and have been back on the road for two months.

Excellent!

There's some GOOD INFO reading ^^^ that replied to your original question for help.

Glad it's running FINE!