I bought a '78 240D (auto trans.) the other day for about $700, and it seems to be even slower than usual in first and second gear. It's not an overall lack of power, because it gets up to about 75 mph on the interstate, and doesn't slow down on hills much once it gets going. It seems to take forever to get going, especially if the road's less than 180 degrees. I drove a 240D years ago, so I know they're almost like a Geo metro in regards to power, but I wonder if there's anything that could be causing this.

When brand new, the engine puts out 67 hp at about 4400 rpm. It has to accelerate a 3200 lb. vehicle. An older engine with some miles probably puts out noticeably less power.

This vehicle will be slow to accelerate, no matter what you do. Keeping the rpm's above 3K will be a benefit.

His engine probably puts out even less than that... the number of holes and then the size of the holes in the precombustion chamber were changed... he may have only had about 62 when new....

Have you tried Diesel Purge used according to the instructions ?
That is the cheapest best procedure in case you have some build up in the injectors or IP... do a search for procedure and testimonials...

I assume you have set your valves correctly and lately... .and if you still have performace complaints then the FSM prescribes that you check your chain elongation by using the number one intake valve movement as the benchmark. Also plenty of discussion in the archives available with a search.

When I bought my 240D I was dissapointed in the performance UNTIL I found that the throttle linkage was not allowing the IP to inject as much as it could. I found a plastic "grommet" on one linkage that was broken also. When I adjusted the linkage so "flooring" it maxed out the IP, the difference was startling. Check it - I'll bet there is too much slop.

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

This might help...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=116510

you may be expecting too much out of that 240 in 1st and 2nd.. I really like 3rd.. seems to pull strong there.
When I need to use 1st and 2nd I turn off the AC and get a few more hps.
After a few tanks you will get the hang of it. I wish I had a tach to drive by.
I got 31 mpg last tank and most of it was hilly driving at 4500'.

You also need a bumper sticker that for those impatient drivers behind you.

" Horn Broken.. Watch for finger"

The air conditioner typically uses from 5 to 8 hp....

When I constructed an AC for my karman Ghia out of three different aftermarket under dash units... I also used a spring loaded ' normally on ' switch taped to my gear shift lever which I could touch with my thumb... when pushed down my AC was OFF.... not any different from the clutch cycling in a normal fashion .... but it made a huge difference off the line...I already had my hand there shifting... so it was very natural to engage it.

...........the 240D is not currently in need of such a device, correct???

It may be soon.... I am studying the MB AC manual ... Of course I will make a nice Mesquite handle with integrated off button in it for this car... not the electrical taped starter button I used on that KG...

You're right the 240D wasn't designed for an AC unit....although in a downhill runaway emergency situation the compressor can function as a secondary E-brake.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

why not a switch mounted like a kickdown switch that breaks power to compressor whenever the accelerator petal is floored? The wiring would be neatly hidden beneath ther carpet that way.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

Many people describe their driving as throttle pedal on the floor or on the brake... but my car has enough power that I drive it like a gas engine.. so a foot switch would not be activated in my normal driving...

I think people with Auto trans are more likely to drive like that...

yep, that's me with the Auto trans all right ...But if you almost never use full throttle, why would you need to cut out the compressor?

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

in agreement with ten knots... look at the linkage.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.