i have just bought a 82 300sd turbo diesel that is very sluggish. when i put the pedal to the floor and the car eventually hits about 40mph and the motor gaining rpms it suddenly acts like it down shifts, the car slows and the motor again struggles to build rpms. it does emit smoke and of course smells terrible. what do i attack first to correct this? thanks to anyone that can help.

change all the filters, clean the tube that comes out of the intake. run a can of diesel purge through it, adjust valves. just to name some.

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198? 300D ???K - Future DD
1989 300TE 285K - traded in '12
1984 300SD 186K - Sold in 08
1978 300SD 330K - Died in 05

Post the question to the diesel forum and you will get a lot of comments. Filters, and banjo bolt and tubing will be the first things to replace and clean out.

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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