Trouble starting 240D after storage - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Xanmer · #1 04-09-2007, 12:30 PM

I recently acquired a 1980 240D, I know that this car was running approximately 2 years ago. It was then put in storage (a dirt lot) for 2 years. Beyond that I only know that car has resided in Southern Nevada since 1999; I am currently trying to get it started and running again but although it will crank the engine does not fire. So far I have replaced both fuel filters, put in a new battery (previous one was stolen/missing), and after checking I believe 3 /4 of the glow plugs (pencil type) are working (they show voltage after trying to start the car). What other steps can I take to try to get the car started?
I also noticed the fuel has a weird red color, is this normal?
Also I heard that you can spray WD-40 into the carburetor in order to get it started, but I can’t seem to find the carburetor? Where then do I spray the WD-40?

Any help would be appreciated thanks!

TMAllison · #2 04-09-2007, 12:40 PM

Confirm you've goot good glow plugs and compression.

Then set up a temporary fuel tank using a jug of fresh fuel. Check dieselgiant.com for which lines are feed vs return then disconnect and put in temp tank.

Once you've got good fuel you can crack the metal lines while cranking until fuel leaks out and then tighten.

Red fuel is "off road" (untaxed) fuel.

biobenz240d · #3 04-09-2007, 01:08 PM

Go to dieselgiant.com for the diy glow plug diagnosis. Red fuel is either kerosene or off road diesel, which is high sulfur, you don't want to get that into your IP (old fuel + water = sulfuric acid) as the sulfuric acid will erode the IP, resulting about a $1200 rebuild.

Xanmer · #4 04-09-2007, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the advice,
Yes I have followed Diesel Giant's DIY Glow Plug link, I will be replacing them all since I need to replace the one anyway.
What's does IP stand for?

biobenz240d · #5 04-09-2007, 04:23 PM

Injector pump

TMAllison · #6 04-09-2007, 04:30 PM

You should also look at all the rubber vacuum tubing connectors in the engine compartment too and see if they are cracked/split/rotten. After sitting in the hot LV wummer sun for two years you may have developed cracks in those and have a vacuum leaks that may prevent it from starting.

kerry · #7 04-09-2007, 04:30 PM

Do you have loop or pencil glow plugs? If you have the very heavy wire connecting each glow plug to the next, you have loop type plugs. If one fails, none of them will work.

There's not a carburetor on a diesel (with very few minor expections for diesels with pony gas engines). You could spray WD-40 into the intake.
My advice is to confirm that the glow plugs are working, make sure it is getting fuel, try to start it with a new battery and if that fails, pull start it.

rrgrassi · #8 04-09-2007, 04:32 PM

You can spray wd-40 in the air cleaner with the cover removed. The center looks like a carb, but remember, a diesel does not have a carb.

You said you changed the fuel filters. Did you prime the system to remove the air?

Xanmer · #9 04-09-2007, 05:55 PM

Yes I have the Pencil type plugs.
Yes I also primed the fuel filters with the hand pump until fuel came out of the filters.

I am currently searching for the vacuum schematics, if any of you have them could you send/link them?

TMAllison · #10 04-09-2007, 06:59 PM

I dont know which 240D engine version yours is but it ought to be one of them.

http://detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

barry123400 · #11 04-09-2007, 07:05 PM

I do not think vacuum is an issue for starting on a 240d. Ignore it for now. You may have vacuum problems but they can wait.
Also only buy the one glow plug for now until you establish you have enough compression to start on. With an unknown engine you want all the glow plugs working. Come to think about it even with a known engine. Also if you have a block heater plug it in to pre warm the engine. This car was not on vegatable oil was it?