Hey gang, appreciate the last hand you gave on the vacuum pump it bit the dust. WHICH leads in to this saga (any 300SD's out there lemons???? :))Well after the new vacuum pump is replaced it shifted smoother, less black smoke better pick up. After a 200 mile trip then it happened. It started to run with less power off and on then the engine would idle up fast and car was hard to stop, then it would shudder and barely stay idling. Then at a rest stop it would crank and feel like it wants to start but won't! Thought primary screen was clogged it had rust looking gunk yech! replaced it, still no good. What ya'll think bad diesel? Timing chain gone, this is a new one for me I am clueless and about ready to give up on MB. This is not a spare car that can wait around it on the go getting grand kids. APologize for this book, but thank you for your patience, expertise and help. LH Look forward to a hint, clue.....

I have seen very few of these that were no good. My advise is to take it to a tech who is goooooood on Mercedes and has been in the buisness for a while. Then you will have a good base line to start from. Let them do a full service with valve adjustment and all.
Good luck

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the reply. I just had it serviced by a seasoned tech here in Houston named Benz by Blair. Last two years he's taken good care of the car. This happened within two weeks of having the valves adjusted and then of course the vacuum pmp. cratered. That's why a 2 year old newbie like me feels like I got a lemon? I'd like to be able to enjoy a MB rather than work on it constantly. Still have the climate center vent issue to deal with after this! thanks LH