Can't Start 79 240D
 

Hi, I havae a 240D stick shift. I tried replacing the glow plugs, the injectors, hoses, fuel filters, etc. I can't get the car started unless i push start it. or hold the starter and the gas pedal on the floor for 2 mininuts then it finally starts. Is there a fuel pump or somthing that i am missing? I sure could use some help!! I hate parking on a hill.


BArend:confused: :confused: :confused:

From what I have been able to learn through reading many posts here, it sounds to me like you may have a starter that is turning the car over too slow to catch.

Especially if the car will start from a push but not from the starter.

Simplest thing first is to clean all the connections at the battery, the ground wire from the battery, and the terminals on the starter.

Somebody with direct experience may chime in - do a search on "starter" here and you may be able to read more.

Ken300D

How long to start with push start - roughly how many times does the motor turn over before it starts???

Start it on a hill,
 

I have to let it roll down a hill in 2nd gear for about 50-100 feet then it runs like a charm. When it is hot it starts after about 10 sec's of cranking with starter. Could the start of fuel delivery be off? what are the symptoms of start of delivery being off? My manual does not match my engine.

Remember - a diesel needs fuel AND compression to create enough heat to fire the fuel. I would have your compression tested first - low compression will cause hard starting. I would guess that the engine is attempting to start(firing but not enough to keep it going)until it starts running. Once the engine is firing there is enough compression to keep it going.How many miles on the engine?? How's the oil consumption?? I assume the problem is hard starting whether or not the engine is hot or cold - right??

I was wondering if you have checked the fuse on the firewall for the glow plugs. It is a solid metal fuse that is located with its own fuse holder with a knurled thumb screw. I beleive your car has one, I could be wrong. The other thing to do is to jumper power to the glow plugs directly from the battery for about 20sec then try to start the car. Make sure you jumper to the correct termianl of the glow plugs. Your glow plug relay could be bad.

Henry

Where are you located?

San Francisco

Thanks so much,
 

I am new to this site, and what a wonderful thing, thank all of you for your time and patients. I love my car it has 365,398 miles on it. 2nd engine. The compression was 280, 230,289,290.

The fuse is oxidized, but it looks good. Verry little oil burn. The engine has no power so I guess it is time to replace or rebuild.

Do to the cost of M parts i would love to put a small block in it.

Has anybody done this?.


BArend

Thank you again for the help
 

I love my 240d also. But to rebuild i was quoted 5k and for the parts alone i could find another car. I was hoping if i could find it,
putting a 300TD engine and that would solve my poere problems also what is the going price for a 300TD engine? Will a 300 fit into the 123 chasis? i do believe it will. How about the 4 speed standard? will i have to replace trans also?