HOW TO PULL START a 78 300CD? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chasinthesun · #1 02-20-2006, 10:30 AM

MY guess is turn key on ,glow plugs amped ,neutral and have another car pull you. Is this right ? This car is an automatic ,ive heard the trannie has pumps in it ,is this bad for the trans?How fast will it need to be towed before car starts?

Ali Al-Chalabi · #2 02-20-2006, 01:51 PM

I believe auto trannies need the front pump running to supply the pressure necessarry to apply the appropriate brake bands and clutch packs to apply a gear. Since the front pump is driven by the tranny input, then it cannot hold a gear unless the engine is running and therefore cannot be push or pull started.

A264172 · #3 02-20-2006, 02:19 PM

I dont know if the 123 diesel instructions differ from the instructions for a 124, automatic, gasser so verify before use.
From my owners manual (86 300E):
Only tow start a vehicle with the battery connected and the key in steering lock position 2
Warning!
When the engine is not running, the brakes and steering are without power assistance. Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is necessary to steer or stop the vehicle.

Tow starting a vehicle with automatic transmission

Shift selector in "N". Turn key to steering lock position 2 and have the vehicle towed.
After attaining a towing speed of 30 km/h (18mph) (with cold transmission or 50 km/h (30 mph) with warm transmission), shift selector lever to position "2" to tow start the engine. Only touch the accelerator when the engine is turning. As soon as the engine has started, quickly return the selector lever to "N".
If the engine fails to fire within a few seconds, return the selector lever from "2" to "N" as otherwise the transmission may be damaged.
For another starting attempt, tow the car again for a short while with the selector lever in the "N" position and then repeat the procedure.

lkchris · #4 02-20-2006, 03:32 PM

http://mb.braingears.com/123_DISK2/program/OM/OM-78.pdf

BTW, you can get an owner's manual for you car quite inexpensively at your dealer.

chasinthesun · #5 02-21-2006, 10:13 AM

Has Anyone Tow Started A 78 300cd?, If So Whats The Procedure

Stevo · #6 02-21-2006, 10:47 AM

lkchris

What year car is that for? I'm not into auto trannys much but I would like to know the scoop on tow starting them.
I understand the at one point in production of W123s they couldnt (or could) be tow started. I tried tow starting an 82 euro TD once and the engine wouldnt even turn over.

(at 30 mph)