Hello, I've got an '82 300D Turbo. It runs great for having close to 300K miles, however it is really sluggish when climbing a hill. I've heard rumors about boosting the performance without spending a grip of money or comprimising the fuel economy. Something to do with adjusting the fuel pump??? Any ideas would be great.

The reason I ask is because the top speed is just about 75 mph. On a recent road trip, a similar 300D passed me doing probably close to 90mph. What's he got that I don't. (Don't say a chevy V8 conversion either!!). Thanks

I would check to see if the boost line and banjo bolt from the intake maniflod to the ALDA on the pump is clogged first. The line starts from the very back of the intake manifold and runs behind the valve cover to the firewall I believe and then to the "thing" on top of the pump. If that doesn't fix it you can take steps after that but that's the first thing to check other than filters.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

Change the fuel filters. It is my experience that this is a symptom of clogged/dirty filters.

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Jim

Without giving away any details, I have a friend who has a 1982 300D. It has no problem pegging the US spec 85-mph speedometer. Well in excess of 300K miles.



For the most part your problem can be broken down into several classes:

1) Not enough fuel delivery. Could be filters, could be injection pump and its ALDA control.

2) Not enough air delivery. Clogged air filter, bad turbo.

3) Insufficient compression - excessive blowby. Can be tested with compression gauge. Would probably show up as hard starting.

A 240D should do 80 mph, even 85.

Please fix this before you are passed by a 240D. It's a matter of honor.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Don't forget to check the throttle linkage and make sure you're getting full gas when you floor the gas pedal... fixing that made a big difference for me, at least :-)

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

81Wagon,

"Full gas when you floor the gas pedal" in a Diesel??????????????

P E H

I know of a 240D that easily pegs the 85mph speedo as well. But it only has 125K miles.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

A 240D has such low power that the direction of the wind can GREATLY effect overall top speed. My 81 240D with a fresh engine could reach 85 MPH on a calm day. Of course getting from 80 to 85 requires about 5 miles of flat road.....

On the other hand I vividly remember trying to pass a truck while running into a 40+ knot headwind - the same 240D topped out at 63MPH!!!

Tim

On my 83 240d I turned a locknut set screw on top of the Injector pump . Having made these adjustments after a fully warm engine and only turning a 1/2 turn at a time each way and taking note that this made a huge improvement in power delivery and smoke etc. I dont know about the 300D , but take a look at it. My 240 will do 83 mph on flat of course, the motor just sounds great and I normaly will keep it at 65 to 70 mph .I have always changed filters and overall kept an eye on everything as best I can.

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.