please help -- wont start
 

Well, I hadn't driven my '85 300TD for about 3 months, and when I went to start it over the weekend it started and ran for about 40 seconds and stalled. Now I can't get it to start at all. The engine turns and a lot of smoke comes out the tail pipe but the engine never get going.

Any idea what could be the problem?

Thanks,
Erik

Erik:

How long did it take to start the first time? Is the car cranking rapidly or slowly? A drained or weak battery, or a starter with corrosion will not start a diesel well. Check your battery and starter. See if a jump makes the starter turn faster.

Try letting it glow for 30-40 secs (until you hear a loud click from the relay, driver side front) and see if it starts.

If those don't solve your problem, you may have bigger issues, but usually a sound diesel engine will start with adequate glow and a good battery and starter.

oops, forgot about fuel!
 

Check your fuel filters, too. If they haven't been changed recently, change em. If the inline one looks black, you may have bugs (algae) in your tank, particularly if it has been sitting. Either drain and treat your tank, or fill it and treat it, change the filters and see what happens.

If you can, try using a fuel can as your tank, and see whether that helps. If the car runs with clean fuel from a can, you have tank issues.

Good luck.

I don't think it is the battery, I tried it with a jump and it behaved the same.

I'll look into the fuel.

Thanks!
Erik