I once parked a 300D 1984, I think, for several years, with vegetable oil in the tank. she started up first try. I was proud to be a Mercedes owner after that.


I have seen glow plugs that "ohm out" OK, but the moment they get hot, it opens and does nothing. Best way to test glow plugs is to let them cycle, then without even attempting to start the car, feel them. Are they cold, warm or hot? (The should be hot and you should burn yourself with this test,,, but 5 glow plugs, five fingers, so you can do this test twice, unless your double jointed and can get your feet in there,,,) A heat reading gun works good too!

If in doubt, change the Glow plugs, and while you got them out, bleed the fuel lines. Much quicker, easier, and less hard on the starter with the GPs removed. (No compression)

Check for corrosion on the pos battery cable. I know, you measured 12 volts. but the voltage will go down under load if the big thick copper wire is greenish in color.

Adjust the valves. this is probably one of the first things you should do, as it's required maintenance every 15K miles anyway.

Clogged tank strainer, blow some air into the "cigar" hose you should be able to hear it bubbling up in the tank. then try starting.

__________________
Closing the store
Benzbonz.biz on your smart phone or tablet.