Wits end!!!!

I have a 1975 240d that I picked up last month. I believe i have low compression. My readings nothing above 130. I have checked the valves, fuel, installed the new glow plugs. I tried the old ATF trick, pulling the injectors, adding ATF
down the holes, waited over night. Cranked it a couple of times to get all the ATF out. I re-installed the injectors, prime it, left one line off to ensure that I was getting fuel. ok, I then tried to start it a couple of times. I am at my wits end. Do I just junk it???? I would like to see the Beast run. Any suggestions or anything else I should be checking would be appreciated. Tks, Don

[skalie]

Try a tow start.

This got an old engine of mine started when I was in a similar situation.

I was draining two batteries a day trying to get an old diesel running again, it was turning over fine and everything was in order, but it took hooking it up to a tractor to breath life into it again.


Good luck.

If the engine only has 130# of compression, it'done. Are the readings even? If they are, I would look at cam timing. It's really unusual to have all four cylinders that low. Minimum compression should be close to 250# for it to start.
If ether has been used, expect to see cracked piston rings.
Regards,
Randy D.