Since this past winter, my 1985 300D has had several problems:

1) 0-60 time is over 20 seconds, when it used to be 14. Low-end torque is good, but the engine totally loses power (the car even slows down) over 3,000rpm.
2) Engine doesn't shut off (must be shut off manually)
3) Gear shifts feel like low-speed collisions. Not even 1st to 2nd with an open throttle, which is what I espect. ALL upshifts and downshifts, even on light throttle, feel really harsh until I'm moving faster than 60mph.

I understand that numbers 2 and 3 can both be a result of vacuum problems (which I would believe, because my power locks don't work all that well), but #1 has me baffled. I've been told that it could be the ALDA, but I don't want to mess with adjusting the screw on top until I find out WHY it would suddenly need adjustment, after it was working GREAT in the fall and continued to be driven all winter.

Please help, I just want to know WHY the ALDA would have come "out of adjustment", and how I could go about testing the vacuum lines. I know nothing about vacuum systems, but I fear that if I don't get it resolved soon I might be damaging my transmission and drivetrain shifting the way it is.

One more bizarre little note: Standing outside of my car while it's running, I hear a light "clink" sound (like two small wrenches banging together) about every 30 seconds or so. This scares me...

PLEASE HELP, ANYBODY!!! I want to keep the Blue Beast on the road at least until I'm out of college!

Jerrold Adler
broke teenager
1985 300d
231,600 miles.