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  #1  
Old 03-22-2008, 03:04 PM
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Hard starting 1980 300SD

Hey all, I have a 300sd that won't start without shooting ether into the carberator. My mechanic says I need a fuel injection primer pump or a rebuild kit. Looking on Ebay and google I find something called a "hand primer pump that is only like $15.00 or the entire assembly for $134.95.
What do I really need?
thx
Richard

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  #2  
Old 03-22-2008, 03:13 PM
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First thing I'd do is get that damned carburator off there. No wonder it won't start.

Don't use ether.

Do a search on glowplugs or follow dieselgiants glowplug testing procedure to make sure your glowplugs are working.

The original primer pumps tend to leak. The cheaper hand pump replacement is all that is typically necessary. You only need the lift pump if it has failed.
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  #3  
Old 03-22-2008, 03:21 PM
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I say its a carberator Im an old retired accountant. Its a air breather with a round filter in it. To start the car now I have to spray ether into that breather.
If I understand you correctly the "hand primer pump should do the trick? The one on the car is leaking where its connected to the engine.
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  #4  
Old 03-22-2008, 03:50 PM
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Don't spray ether to start it. You can destroy the engine using it.
Spray WD-40 if you need to spray something.

Yes, the primer pump can leak and suck air causing hard starts but it is far more likely that you have a glow plug problem. Did your mechanic test the glowplugs?
Is your glow plug light working? Are the plugs getting 12 volts when they are supposed to be energized? Is the resistance on each plug lower than 1 ohm?

A carburator mixes air and gasoline into a a volatile combination for a gasoline engine. You're referring to the air filter and intake manifold. The only diesels with carburators were ones with a separate gasoline pony engine used to start the diesel.
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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  #5  
Old 03-22-2008, 05:44 PM
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glow plugs are good and the light works. the car actually runs great once you get it started.
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Old 03-22-2008, 06:01 PM
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How do you know the glowplugs are good?
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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Old 03-22-2008, 06:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry View Post
How do you know the glowplugs are good?
Answer?
Just replace the primer pump, around $20. Also the fuel lines.
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Old 03-22-2008, 06:30 PM
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The mechanic had check the glow plugs already, sorry I didnt make myself clear. I appreciate all of your help
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Old 03-22-2008, 06:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nuthead View Post
The mechanic had check the glow plugs already, sorry I didnt make myself clear. I appreciate all of your help
Your mechanic also mentioned perhaps a new IP. If it wasn't working, I can't fathom why it runs fine after starting.
LAST RESORT.
Is he familiar with diesels? Sorry, but these questions need to be answered.

Glow plugs are easy to check yourself. An ohm meter is helpful.
Also, could be a slight air leak in the fuel lines making starting a problem. Such as the primer pump.
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Old 03-22-2008, 07:30 PM
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the primer pump is what he suggested not the injector pump itself, i checked back with him and realized that i had mis-stated what he was looking for. He has also said that air could be the problem because it was leakinf fuel. I have a lot of confidence in him and he knows of my personal situation and is trying to help at a low or no cost.
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  #11  
Old 03-23-2008, 06:43 PM
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OK, replace that primer pump, and the fuel lines, then see what you have.
Good luck.
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  #12  
Old 03-23-2008, 09:29 PM
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Replace that primer pump.

I had the same symptoms with my 300D a couple of weeks ago. Replaced all 5 glow plugs, didn't fix it. I noticed that my primer pump was leaking so I replaced it and bingo problem solved. Starts like a champ now.

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