Fuses and Diesel Injection Question-Long
 

Hi,

First wanted to say hi to everyone since I'm new to the board. I have a 1975 300D that I just recently purchased and I am in the process of learning how to care for it. I had two questions that I was hoping someone could answer for me.

1) The previous owner used glass fuses (except for one of the fuses) instead of the ceramic fuses which appearantly are supposed to be in there (as per my BMW friend). I suspect this is the reason the heater blower motor is not working, so I wanted to replace them with OEM spec fuses. Can I get the ceramic fuses at any of the parts houses (AutoZone, Kragen, Pepboys, etc.) or is this an MB parts thing only? Is there a link soemone can provide for getting them cheap?

2)I had the engine compartment steamcleaned the other day, before I did some work on the steering box (bolt sheared off, so I had to pull it and EZ-out the bolt). I've noticed that all of the injectors have a puddle around their bases, so it would seem that there is some fuel seepage going on. What could be causing this and how do I fix it? FYI-the top of the injectors seem to be dry, it is just the area around each injector where it enters the head/lower manifold (?) that is soaked.

Thanks,
Micah

BTW-If anyone has any tips of this model in so far as taking care of a diesel, filters to use, maintennance tips, etc., they sure would be appreciated. I did just order a CD with the service manuals on it, so that should help a lot. Also, what weight oil do you guys recommend for these engines (as far as type I've heard overwhelmingly Mobil One Synthetic)

Autozoo has the fuses in plastic paks. Be sure to install the correct size in each location.
The oil by the injectors could be a leaking valve cover gasket or could be leaking fuel return lines (those cloth covered lines that jump from one injector to the next). Cloth hose is cheap at VW if that is the leak. Hoses do become brittle with heat/age.

Thanks on the tips-by Autozoo, I assume you mean Autozone?:D

On the injectors-I had ruled out the idea of it being those braided lines because only the cast metal around the base of each injector is wet, and the injectors are still real clean looking. Could it be possible for fuel to leak from the braided lines and evaporate and not leave any residue? I'm still new to diesel, I was under the impression that it still left a mess when it evaporated, am I wrong?

BTW-should have mentioned it before, when its running, the braided lines don't show any sign of leaking, plus my brother swears he saw fuel bubble up a little around the base of one of the injectors. Do these injectors utilize rubber o-rings like the plastic Bosch injectors on my Ford 5.8, or do they seal differently?

Thanks agin on the info.:)