Starting Issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

diesel don · #1 12-05-2003, 11:26 AM

My 1985 300TD wagon has strange symptoms. It seems to fire well in cold weather but goes immediately into a low throb. I can neither make it come up to idle with the pedal or keep it running. Basically, the car is not going to start lower than 30 degrees.

1. I've backed out the rack pin
2. I've adjusted the valves
3. I've given it a purge
4. I've cleaned the banjo
5. The car runs out well
6. The car uses 1/2 quart of oil only per 3k, so I don't feel its compression.

Of the following (or other ideas, what would you recommend first)

1. Injectors?
2. Timing stretch and therefore timing issues?
3. others?

Thanks

Don

#2 12-05-2003, 11:31 AM

Gelled fuel?
Fuel filters?

Louis.

diesel don · #3 12-05-2003, 01:56 PM

Its not the filters since I just changed them. In addition, I use the same fuel in the other four cars and they start fine even 15 degrees colder. I don't think its cold enough to gel yet. Compared to what is coming (winter), this is nothing. That is what has me alarmed.

I might add to my former post that the car smokes more than the others (both at idle and upon acceleration).

Thanks

Don

Rick Miley · #4 12-05-2003, 02:08 PM

Then it sounds like an injection pump timing problem, most likely caused by an elongated chain. Did you check the chain when you did the valves?

diesel don · #5 12-05-2003, 05:23 PM

Rick:

Checking the chain and general chain issues are something I haven't educated myself on yet. Looks like it might be next on the list.

Thanks

Don

Stevo · #6 12-05-2003, 09:43 PM

Don

I would definitely learn to check chain stretch but it sounds to me like you have fuel to start but it wont run long, right? maybe not getting fuel as in plugged tank strainer. I would check and make sure your getting fuel. I have a 5 gallon bucket with a valve and hose at the bottom to hook up to the primary filter so I know fuel is getting to the pump. You could crack the lines at the injectors and make sure your getting fuel. Did you have it running good after the Molly Purge?

diesel don · #7 12-05-2003, 11:03 PM

Wouldn't it start the same with a warm engine if the fuel strainer was plugged?

The car starts extremely well under normal conditions (40 degrees or plugged in at colder temps). It runs very well and has good acceleration.

The only time if won't continue to run is at 30 degrees and below. In such situations, the car fires but putters at a low throb and then stalls.

Don

Stevo · #8 12-06-2003, 12:19 AM

. "Wouldn't it start the same with a warm engine if the fuel strainer was plugged?"

Hummm. I don't have much experience in real cold weather starting but could the cold be jelling fuel in a strainer that is almost" plugged and the cold restricts it just enough to not supply enough fuel to keep her going. I would rig up a small fuel supply can and see if she keeps running with fuel NOT from the tank. Good luck

diesel don · #9 12-06-2003, 12:46 PM

That is a good suggestion and easy enough. Will probably try it soon.

Thanks

Don

diesel don · #10 12-06-2003, 12:48 PM

Steve:

Just noticed your signature.

How did you get an '85 240D?

I like your list of MB's. Pretty cool. I have all my kids (3) in them as well.

Don

Stevo · #11 12-06-2003, 08:40 PM

Don

I really lucked out finding the '85' euro 240 5 spd. It still has just 100K on the clock. "85" was the last year 240Ds were made.

Ya, I feel good about about having my daughter driving one, she really likes it too. They are really becoming popular out here. Lot of folks wanting to get into bio diesel. Wow, 3 kids all driving MBs, (240s?) great.

diesel don · #12 12-07-2003, 09:25 AM

I only have one 240D right now and that one boasts a converted 300DT engine. Gets up and goes, but needs an appropriate differential. Unless of course you like to get to 50 mph quickly.

Don

dabenz · #13 12-07-2003, 11:34 AM

Fuel floats, water sinks, and the tank outlet is at the bottom. Your symptoms sound typical of #2 fuel with water in the tank. If you have the room, then I'd siphon the fuel from the tank and into a barrel. Then pull the tank drain plug and drain the gunk out. My transfer barrel is a 30gal barrel on a stand so the bung holes are about thigh high at the bottom. A fuel oil furnace filter housing is screwed into the small bung hole via a short nipple. The large bung hole is at the top. Thigh high works well as gravity pulls the fuel slowly through the filter and into a five gallon jug. When the barrel gets low the barrel gets rotated and the gunk drained out the big bung hole. And change the car's filters again once you have the fuel "polished".

Stevo · #14 12-07-2003, 08:18 PM

Don

"a converted 300DT engine" Ya I followed most of your threads. I guess you got your vibration problem worked out. Seems I remember something about some marks on the crank and flywheel. I am assembling an engine (616) and did not notice marks when I disassembled things, Did you get the cold running problem diagnosed yet ?

diesel don · #15 12-07-2003, 09:49 PM

Dabenz:

Thanks for the thots on water in the fuel. I'll plug away at that next.

Stevo:

Yep, got the vibration thing worked out. A simple L-bracket was attached to the frame and rubbing on the back of the oil pan. I don't have the cold running issue solved (actually, cold starting). Just plugging it in and everything is fine.

Thanks

Don