how to stop flooding
 

my 71 220d seems to flood very easily at first start in the morning. It will start, sputter slowly a bit ( which maks me want to give it a little fuel to speed it up) then quit. If I touch the accelerator at all, it floods.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

I don't believe I have ever heard of a diesel flooding in the sense of the word pertaining to a gasser. It sounds to me like your car has other issues that should be looked at. Glow plugs? Fuel filters? Compression?

thanks,

Well, maybe I am describing it incorrectly. I have checked the glow plugs. The car does not seem to burn any oil, and does not smoke - usually. WHat happens when I do give it any accelerator is that It will then sputter as though trying to start, and there will be a strong smell of diesel, and if and when it does start it will puff out a good cloud of smoke.

Also, this problem does not happen once car is warm (and there is no smoke at all at that time).

it sure
 

sounds like your glow plugs arent working. how did you check them?

tom w

As JRB said, there is no such thing as flooding in a diesel engine.

My first guess is that you have a build up of crud around your glow plugs. Unless it has been converted, the loop type plugs get carbonized crud around them which causes them to have a resistant path to ground.

Remove the glow plugs and inspect. If I am correct, dig the crud out, clean the plugs and replace being careful to get all the conductors and insulators back on correctly.

To clean out the glow plug ports you can either buy the special reamer made for the job or you can try digging out the crud with a hardwood stick. DON'T get the bright idea to use a steel brush of any kind. It would only take one broken bristle in the engine to cause damage.

Good luck,