I have a 1987 300D and I am having hard start problems when it is cold outside. I have to hold the key in the start position and let it turn over about 5-10 times then it holds an idle. It also coughs up a bunch black smoke right when it starts and then the smoke turns to white for quite awhile, until it heats up past 60C.

This vehicle also shifts very hard from 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd when I am going slow but not when I give it a lot of gas.

Any suggestions? Does anyone else have similar problems and are they normal?

Thanks

The shifting problem sounds like a vac leak. You just need to get a tester and track down the leak they can drive you nuts.

Is the glow plug light coming on? I would sudjest making sure your glow plugs are in working order first.

Rough running can be caused be a couple of things, clogged or tired injectors and delivery valve seals would be my prime suspect.

Remove the injectors have have them tested or do a diesel purge. The procedure for changing the delivery valve seals has been posted before it isn't difficult.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

running sounds like glow plugs.

is this a duplicate thread?

tom w

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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.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your advice.