I just changed the fuel filters. I didn't prefill the filter, but I primed it alot. It started and ran for 30 seconds then shut off, guessin that was a loss of fuel. Wouldn't start after that, cranked and tried to turn over. I have since bleed the fuel lines around the filter, fuel comes out when I prime it. I disconnected some of the injector lines, but nothing comes out when I prime?

Also when I turn the key there is just one click and nothing else happens, engine doesn't even try to turn over. What is this "click"? Is there something wrong with the IP? Can it get air locked or something?

Help!
Bob

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

Sounds like a combination of a dead battery and no fuel. Charge the battery and pump the primer pump at least 100 times. Next time fill the primary filter with something combustible.

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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

Check your Electrical connections between the Battery,Starter and Alternator.
There is a ground strap from the engine to the frame...

The "CLICK" is the Starter/bendix refusing to engage Because of: DEAD Battery or a Loose Connection.(The Starter isn't getting enough power)

In your case I can safely assume the battery needs to be put on a charger.

You only want to run the starter in 10 to 20 second Bursts , with a COOL DOWN (Rest Period) in between[This is HARD on the Starter. It is not a
Continuous Duty Rated Electric Motor[AND it HEATS UP]

Take the Secondary Fuel filter (SPIN ON) and fill it with Diesel...re-install.
Making sure that the sealing washer/O-rings around the center bolt are good.

Check all your fuel line/hose fittings for security.

'Crack loose the capnuts on top of the injectors.

Prime as much as you can.

Using the Starter, in short bursts,crank the engine until fuel shows at the
injectors...tighten the capnuts...AND start.

No big deal you've lost your prime and without the diesel in the Secondary
to "Light Off" the engine and keep it running until it re-primes itself...It'll
Take FOREVER .

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Fuel will not come out of the hard metal injector lines with out the engine cranking. After you charge the battery crank it with the injector lines cracked until fuel comes out of them, then tighten them back up.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

I checked the secondary fuel filter and it was full. I dumped some out and put in some diesel kleen. I had my charger on it all night thinking it was a dead battery. After a full charge and it still just clicks. I tried to jump it with my truck, some thing just a click, shouldn't there be enough power from the jump, for the starter? I think the battery is about shot though. I have had to charge it about once a week. Can a totally dead battery be the problem?

Thanks for the good replies. I'll keep trying ideas.

Thanks,
Bob

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

Checkyour interlock switch on the side of your tranny(driverside)?

Check your fuses?

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Time to get or use a cheap digital meter. For all you know the battery charger may not be charging. A quick check is to turn on your headlights and see if they are as bright as usual.

The starter or a connection may have let go as well. Without a meter though you are probably just guessing what is wrong. A charged up battery in fairly good shape should have a resting voltage of 12.5 volts several hours after the finish of charging.

I did check the charge last week, after having to charge it inorder to get it started I did get 12.5 volts, but that was then. I may have been to hard on it after it died right after changing the filters when it ran out of fuel. Tried cranking several times.

The head lights appear normal. I don't have a volt meter on me right now to check the charge.

THanks

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

My sdl wouldnt start because of a bad interlock switch on the tranny. Replaced the switch fairly unexpensively and been no troubles since.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Where and what is that tranny interlock switch?

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

If it's clicking, interlock switch is operating. Sounds like a bad battery.

__________________
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

Same thing happened to me when I changed the spin filter at the freekin car wash. Ran for 20 seconds or so and died. Cranked and cranked and killed the battery. While I was waiting for my wife to come (make fun of me mostly) I thought I'd recheck the fuel delivery. Found that I didn't tighten up the filter completely. I was light on it because it felt tightly sealed. Keep tightening that bolt until it feels real good and tight. As for the click, I'd say you definitely have a battery problem, but you also may have burned out the starter. Good luck!

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1998 E300D, 287k, barely broken in.

Could it have anything to do with pushing it off the ramps and pushing down the driveway?

I can't find where the tranny interlock, or starter interlock switch is.

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K

crawl underneath the car on the drivers side and look at the transmission. You should a device on the side held on by 4 bolts and 2 wires going to it. disconnect the 2 wires and have a assitant turn the key to the on postion but dont start the car. While the car is in the on postion connect your volt meter and it should go down to zero. You will get voltage at first then it will go down to zero.

Listen for a click. Also try starting the car in neutral. When my interlock switch was going i was starting the car in neutral.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

I found this suggestion elsewere. Any merit to this?

"Then I put the car in gear and let it coast back a inch or two. After that it started fine."

I have tried starting the car in park, nuetral, drive, no luck, only a click.

Thanks

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1983 300D Turbo, 150K