Engine wants to turn off on idle
 

:) Hello everyone, I had been doing good with my car for a while but, last night driving home, when I would stop on a light, the engine seems like if it wanted to turn off. Same thing today going to work. So, during lunch, I bought a new fuel filter (the small plastic one), installed it, turned open the plastic valve next to the filter to let the air out, pumped it until diesel started coming out, then closed it back up. When I started the car, it had a little "hick-up" but then seemed better so I took it for a spin, everything seemed fine but when I stopped on a light, the problem started again....the car shakes almost like if it wants to turn off. Any suggestions of what to check next?

Thanks Again Everyone,
Adiel

could you please post year/model/mileage and weather conditions.
normally how may rpm's are you turning at idle?

Hello, it is a 1983 300D with 155,000 Miles. I am the second owner of the vehicle. The weather is about 80 here in South Florida. I'll post the rpms later on today.

Thanks,
Adiel

pending your reply on rpm's, assuming nothing like an engine mount is broken/bad you could do a search on 'rack dampener' which is adjustable by a bolt on the firewall end of the injection pump. also there is a current thread here discussing idle speed

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/92544-idel-adjust-617-a.html

Would this clog up the fuel line somehow? ...or make the engine want to turn off on idle?

Thanks,
Adiel

guess you mean the rack dampener? it smooths out the idle.
if your engine isn't getting fuel you would notice it at higher speeds.

When that happened to my 83 SD it was because the handle of the primer pump had worked loose. It was the spin-on kind of primer handle.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

problem solved
 

:) last night I got the problem fixed. No more rough Idle! I changed the other fuel filter. (The big one that screws on), bled the system by opening up the bolt all the way on the top of the filter housing and using the screw on pump that was next to the other filter to take out the air. Problem fixed! I guess it is a good idea to replace both filters at the same time. That screw on pump lets all the diesel out between the plastic handle and the metal tube where it pumps into...is that working as designed or does that little pump need a new seal somewhere?

Thanks,
Adiel

good you got it sorted out. the primer pump has an updated version available
for $16 at fastlane (click above)

i still have the old style pump and it doesn't leak so i have not replaced it.

Also check tank filter...
 

You also have a large screen type filter at the bottom of your fuel tank. If the car is new to you, you should remove and clean this also. This can be a pain to remove... do a search here for helpful threads. While under the rear, also inspect your fuel lines. If they are the old style webbed lines, this would be a good time to swap them out.... easy to do.
What does the residue in the clear (primary) filter look like? You may have rust, algae, or just a bad fuel source giving you problems.

I have a 1982 300D and have ongoing battle with junk in my filters.

is this it?
 

Hello, is this the new model?

Thanks,
Adiel

yep that's the one.

That is the one.
To fit it, you will need to remove both fuel lines going to the lift pump, but even then you may not be avble to get a good grip on the new one, to tighten it up.
In that case I recommend removing the lift pump fron the IP and tighten the primer plunger before reinstalling the lift pump and hoses.
Priming is a breeze with the new primer. - Much Cleaner too, and my hands don't smell like fuel.

I have the new pump but haven't put it in yet. Ever tried rubber gloves?

How does the pump come off of the IP? I removed 2 10mm nuts and it wiggles but doesn't come loose. any hidden surprises or do I need to pry?