Okay, I'm adjusting the valves on my 240D this weekend...

Could anyone give me a few last hints and pointers and such that the manuals don't give?
I am scared to death! LOL! I've never done this before!

Hiya Birdy,

I like you have never done this before, but will be making this move, not this weekend, but the one to follow. I've read thru the manual (Haynes and MB CD) as well, but, if you read this post

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=21067

I think you will find comfort in the process as P.E. Haiges has simplified the process in laymen turns. Having read it myself I feel a lot more comfortable in taking the big step and doing the valve adjustment myself.

Good luck,

jeric

[Aaron]

The diesel valve adjustment is quite simple and straightforward. It makes things much easier if you have a remote starter so you don't have to crank the engine over with a socket and ratchet. If you want to buy a remote starter, track down a Snap-on tools truck and get one from them. They are the best ones I've seen yet. Otherwise, just take your time and follow the instructions carefully. You'll be able to take pride in your work and know it was done carefully and correctly! Good luck!

Mr. Lewallen has a nifty way to turn the engine with the use of a jumper wire. Check out this thread.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=17674&highlight=purple+wire

Don't know if the wiring on your model has this terminal block or not, if not you may be able to reach the small terminal on the starter solenoid and bump it from there.

Make sure your in "Park".

Good luck
Ernie

[mreid]

Easy job. Just take your time and enjoy. The first time you remove the valve cover just stand back a minute and enjoy the view. What a beautiful piece of engineering.

If you decide to use the remote starter or jumper, be very careful that you don't START the engine. You need to disable the pump.

If you need to save money on the wrenches, buy a few cheap open ends and heat and bend to shape.

If you have any questions when you get into this, we'll be here.

birdy,

I love the statement you have below the picture of your car. We brought my son home from the hospital in a '73 model 250, but it didn't live long enough to get him to his sixteenth birthday. I later ended up with my 240D that I let him start driving when he turned sixteen. Keep that diesel going and give it to your son some day. LB

Originally posted by LarryBible
If you decide to use the remote starter or jumper, be very careful that you don't START the engine. You need to disable the pump.

LOL! I find this funny because I am hoping that the valve adjustment will solve the problem of her not starting. LOL! But I'll take the proper measures and make sure the ol'gal doesn't get a fire under her butt and finally start before I button everything up. LOL!!!

I hate to discourage you, but I doubt that valve adjustment is causing your no start problem this time of year. Do you have any clues at all about the no start? I assume it turns over well but won't start. Have you checked all your fuel lines? Have you cracked open an injector line while cranking to see if fuel dribbles out?

Let us know and good luck,

I've done all that. fuel is getting to the injectors...yadda yadda. This is my last ditch effort before I certify that the compression is infact too low due to the motor and not the valves and she'll need a rebuild. *hangs head*

I've replaced the fuel filters, main fuel filter filled back up with fuel, injectors are getting fuel (I know by doing that test you mentioned), new glow plugs, I've checked to make sure they are heating up..
she stopped starting after a cold snap and hasn't started since. The valves haven't been adjusted since '92. So, they definatly need it. I was going to do that and then tinker with some more stuff.
The only other thing I can really think of is the compression is too low and I can't find a compression tester for less than $100. I need to spend that other $100 on my daily driver right now.
Tx Bill knows a little bit about it.

Any ideas?

Birdy,

Have you called an AutoZone in your area to see if you can rent a compression tester? Actually, they let you use their tools if you put a deposit on them. Certainly worth a try in lieu of buying one.

Hope this helps, and get that gal back on the road.

jeric

birdy,

Are you in the Dallas area? I have a compression tester, and we could test the compression pretty quickly.

Given that this car is a family member, it needs some extra attention and a little help from your friends.

Have a nice weekend,

I am about an hour southwest of Ft Worth. I checked sumner out on mapquest and I'm almost 6 hours away from you.

I might check into renting a tester from autozone.

[mreid]

WOw, the compression would have to be next to 0 for it not to fire with working glow plugs. Are you sure the glow plugs are working??

['79 Super Turtle]

I do, and that's the only advice I have to offer. I like to pretend I'm on a picnic, I put out a little blankie, and I sit on the radiator/crossmember and hover over those valves. I don't use the special wrenches either.

Have Fun! I may do mine this week to see if I can reduce my fuel consumption.

Com'on birdy....give us an update!