That's it. It won't likely be the problem unless it's packed full of boulders...........you'd see this if it's one of the clear filters.

Do you have or can you obtain a boost gauge?

When the fuel leaves the primary filter, what is the part it goes to which is down below the IP. It goes from that to the secondary fuel filter. Could the lines in and out of the secondary fuel filter be plugged. They sure are dark inside.

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1986 300SDL

That's the fuel pump.

The dark lines are typical for vehicles of this age. They are not plugged.

Fill the tank with fuel before removing the primary filter.

When you remove the primary filter, make a note of how much fuel flows from the tank supply line. It should be a steady stream.........not a trickle. In fact, if you are not quick with the filter change, it will get diesel fuel all over the area.

I'm interested in knowing if this is not the case and the fuel flow is relatively slow......like a trickle.

I had already changed the filter and driven the car, but it seemed to be a pretty good dribble out of the supply line and the tank is 3/4 full. Made kind of a mess.

I just checked my tranny fluid and its not even registering on the dipstick. How much should I add to prevent over filling at least for starters. I have Amsoil ATF that I use in all my other vehicles, is it OK to use that to fill it up.
I don't know what is in it now.

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1986 300SDL

You have not changed the primary........correct?

The tranny needs to be checked after the fluid is hot on a level surface with the vehicle running in Park.

These are very easy to overfill. They use Dexron III. 1/4" on the stick is about four ounces of fluid............be careful.

Tranny fluid that low would definitely reek havoc on performance. These cars are very sensitive on tranny fluid levels.

The fluid standard is Dexron II ATF. (III or IV should be fine). Be sure you are checking it hot and in park. With none registering on the dipstick, I would start with 1 qt then top off. Capacity is about 4 for the convertor and a little less than 2 in the pan.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I have not changed the primary.

My question, is can I mix fluids in the tranny. I know you can mix synthetic and non-synthetic in american trannys..

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1986 300SDL

Do we know what is currently in the tranny?

Nope, don't know.

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1986 300SDL

Well, then we likely assume that some type of Dexron is in the unit.

That's what you should probably stay with. I'm sure you can mix all you wish, but, nobody knows the long term effects. The unit will probably perform fine in the short term.

If I get a boost gauge, where do I connect to the system to read the boost?

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1986 300SDL

You show the line in your previous photos.

It's the line from the top of the overboost protection valve on the firewall to the ALDA on the top of the IP. Just put a "T" in this line and run the plastic tubing from the gauge to the T. You'll need to route the gauge into the cabin so you can read it while you drive it.