What may be wrong if a 1981 Mercedes 240D can only start when doing a push start?
 

Dear friends,

What may be wrong if a 1981 Mercedes 240D can only start when doing a push start? Starting using the ignition key only turns the engine but would not be able to successfully start.

It takes about 30 ft to start the car when doing a push start. The car runs well after starting.

Compression leak, valve clearance ??? Where can I buy a compression tester for diesel engines?

Thank you very much for your precious help.

Best regards,

Eric

You probally need a new starter, make sure to get the updated model if you do end up needing one.

Eric,
In order: fresh big battery, clean cable contacts (including the ground strap), new fuel filters, clean air filter, valve clearance (also check timing chain stretch), primed and leak-free fuel delivery system. Dumb question on my part: are you glowing the engine?

Glowing?
 

Maybe youre glowing ins't work okey. Take a voltagemeter and glow. There should be about 3 volt or more on them. (i don't know how many volts there are on W123 but shore as hell there is something...)

try to buy 4 new "glowplugs" They are not so expensive and a good investment a cold day.

Yes, check these things too, as well as the glow plugs. While you are at it, you should try and pull the starter and have it tested. I went through replaceing many things on my car, and still wondered why it was having a hard time starting, and it turns out that I had a bad starter.

Eric,

Do you heat the glow plugs when you push start the car?

Seems like the only difference in a Diesel compression gage would have a scale that goes to 350 PSI.

P E H