Okay - another problem to add to the list of my 91 350SD...

Now the car is at my mechanic's shop and will not start. The glow plug light does NOT come on either. I went there myself and tried starting it - the starter turns, but the engine will not start - then white smoke comes from the exhaust. Does that sound like a familiar problem?

He is also having a hard time getting the serpentine belt tensioner to keep the belt tight. He said they installed a new tensioner and tightened it yesterday (when the car would still start) but it would turn over and then the belt would go loose again. Any suggestions?

Damn, this is driving me nuts - I just want the damn thing to run right so I can enjoy driving it instead of leaving it at the shop all the time! Crap!

Something doesn't sound right, you don't adjust the tensioner on these cars, they are self adjusting. What did he replace on the tensioner? The little shock? The spring? The arm? The bearing?

Secondly what are the symptoms, it just failed to start? Even without glow plugs it should still start, just with more cranking.

If the glow plugs died suddenly, then check the strip fuse. Its in the black box behind the drivers side headlight, they often fail. Actualy over the winter its not a bad idea to carry a spare.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yes, he replaced the shock - he mentioned that it seemed as though something is missing from the arrangement, though.

Yes, it simply failed to start. Cranked fine, but did not start no matter how long I cranked it - then white smoke was coming from the exhaust.

I'll make sure he checks that fuse tomorrow morning.

Have it towed to a shop with more experience with these cars. If Hattie is an ammateur/enthusiast and knows more than the tech at this shop, anything you're paying this shop is too much.

Sixto
93 300SD

Yeah really I havn't even seen the car and I can probably get you close to running.


Umm no offense to that guy but doesn't he have any manuals? I mean if one looks up the belt tensioner on the manual you get a nice little picture with other good stuff.

Without a picture I can't tell you whats wrong with the tensioner.

As for the failure to start I'm not sure. I cannot see how one of these cars simply wouldn't start if the starter was cranking. Glow plugs are important in the winter but as long as its above 50 you don't need them.

Its possible the vacuum shut off failed suddenly somehow. I'd put a tester on that and make sure it holds vacuum and works.

Other than that, internal IP failure? Never heard of that, they don't just fail suddenly.

Any fuel leaks?? Sudden filter clog??

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

What would you make of the fine white smoke from the exhaust pipe while I was cranking it?

This mechanic is admittedly lacking in experience with MB, but I have used him for several years on other cars and he is honest and a good person. The reason I took it to him was that he is less than 1 mile from my house and I didn't want to drive the car squealing like mad all the way to my other (German) mechanic 11 miles away. I'm planning to have it towed there tomorrow morning, though.

I'm getting really sick of this crap!! :fork_off:

I know I will get it all squared away eventually, though!

it sounds as if the spring on the tensioner may be gone.

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.

Blevin,

The white smoke is atomized Diesel fuel. THis is normal if the engine cranks but doesn't fire. So U don't have a fuel system problem. Engine is getting fuel but blowing it out exhaust pipe because it isn't burning the fuel.

Check that the GP work, do search on "CABIN LIGHT".

P E H

my fuse was hairline cracked. wouldn't start in balmy australian weather!New fuse- started 1st turn!