Originally Posted by james f. coon

Thanks to all who have responded.

This is my first experience owning and working on a diesel. The car is an MB 77 300D. This is an engine swap. I do have a friend, mechanic but not diesel menhanic helping me. I am using the Haynes Manual which is a pretty good manual. I have followed the instructions to the T from the manual and I couldn't get the one drop per second thing so we got it as close as possible and buttoned things up, started the engine. We used ether mist over the intake manifold opening and kept doing that a little at a time until the engine smoothed out (instructions from the archives). It didn't smoke. The throttle is very slow to respond. We drove it and went from 0 to 60 in about a minute. Just no power.

Now I really need help.............

When we took the engine out, we failed to mark the vacuum lines that go to the IP, under the dash, to the ignition, etc. I don't have them hooked up. I was reading the thread posted by Phantom showing the vacuum diagrams but there was none for a 77 300D. Reading the archives someone said it didn't matter if they were disconnected. Don't know if that is making this engine powerless or what. I'm not able to shut off the engine with the key.

When we were adjusting the valves, my son mentioned as he was turning the engine over, that it felt as if there was a lot of compression. So I'm assuming the rings and valves are in good shape. The engine we installed has 212K on it. We did install new rod and main bearings.

So we decided to go back to the IP timing again and see if we could get the "one drop per second" done up right. And therefore I will ask again:

When I find the spot where I am getting good full flow, no air, and it begins to slow to dripping, am I suppose to be looking for a constant one drop per second? Does it sit there and drop one drop per second at a time for a long period of time? And if that is the case I should be right on time. Right?

I know the timing is critical as is an all engines. Therefore, I appreciate all the help with this project. I also desperately need help with the vacuum lines. I've raised several hoods on 77's--81's looking for one that is hooked up right to no avail.

Thanks again,

JFC