I'm trying to get the '85 300D turbo running decently. It had been sitting for several years before I got it.

After changing crankcase oil and trans filter and fluid, air filter , fuel filters, primer, it would start right up, but the engine had very little power, and it would sputter sometimes.

I drained the tank and removed the strainer- it was a terrible mess. I cleaned and replaced. While apart, I blew compressed air back through the steel fuel line and the return line.

I did the diesel purge thing- 1 can lasted about 23 minutes.

At this point, it is definitely better, but it is still pretty slow to rev when you goose the throttle- it seems like it takes a a second before it gets up to high rpms. I also have a 240D and I think it may rev a bit quicker.

My next step is to adjust the valves. I've done this and I made custom 14mm offset wrenches for this purpose.

So at this point, it is close to driveable, but it doesn't acellerate like I think it should, especially being a turbo.

What else can I try? I'm pretty sure I'm not getting air incursion. I put on yet another primary filter and hoses and the primer pump feel right.

Maybe I need to open up the turbo and make sure it is good shape. Kent Bergsma discusses this.

Maybe I should change the large fuel filter again since I did the diesel purge and maybe it clogged up. Or maybe I should do a 2nd can of diesel purge. By the way, I'm running off-road red diesel fuel while doing my testing, since I have a big tank of it for tractors.

I do have at least some sort of vacuum leak- it takes a few seconds before it shuts off. There are several more vacuum lines and gizmos in there as compared to my 240. I guess some of it is related to the EGR and other pollution devices.