New Owner of '84 300D... book ?s

Hey all...

First of all - thank you so much for all of the information that you've posted. It's helped enormously. I recently purchased an '84 300D turbo diesel for $1300 here in Maine. It needed some slight body work to cover/arrest some rust and now it is time to fine tune the engine in preparation for a WVO conversion. (And yes, I am likely going to give it a rest in the winter - I'd like the body to last as long as possible!)

Here's the question... I am trying to learn the ins and outs of this engine (it's my first diesel) and have managed to figure out the general workings of the fuel system, change the glow plugs, and troubleshoot some basic engine problems. I'd like to have some detailed info on maintaining the engine and have been perusing books for this purpose.

What do people recommend? I'd like to avoid the CD because laptops and bathtubs don't mix...

[Brian Carlton]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new acquisition.


These engines don't need much with the exception of regular oil and filter changes. Any other procedures, such as diesel purge, can be found on this forum.

When the time comes to do any major engine work, such as a valves or a head gasket, you will need the factory service manual, commonly referred to as the FSM.

This manual can be found on e-bay periodically for about $100. in hard copy. The CD, which is horrible BTW, can be had for considerably less than this.

Thanks Brian...

I had a mechanic briefly look over the engine... said he thought the valves should be adjusted. Is this something that requires diagrams or could I adjust it by researching this site?

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by vwoodruff

Thanks Brian...

I had a mechanic briefly look over the engine... said he thought the valves should be adjusted. Is this something that requires diagrams or could I adjust it by researching this site?

You need a diagram of the valves so that you don't get confused on which valves you have done and which are remaining. This site has a good diagram for the five cylinder.

The specs are also on here, or, I've got them for the turbo engine, when you need them.

I did forget about the valves on the 617.

I've had the SDL on the brain for the past year. It has hydraulic lifters and doesn't need adjustments.

Obtaining the bent wrenches to do the job is helpful, but not required.