How to Push start a 300D automatic?
 

How can I go about push or pull starting a 300D diesel, automatic transmission?

Do you need to get it up to a pretty good speed? If there's no clutch, how
does one "pop" it into engagment to turn it over?

Put it in N, tow it to 18mph, drive at that speed for 1 minute and drop it into S for 10 seconds at a time while fully pressing the accelerator until it starts. Put it back into N and let the engine idle for 1 minute before driving.

It might be a good idea to do two glow cycles too, to facilitate easier start, assuming it's a cold engine, and the glow system works.

If they need to pull start it, chances are its got a dead power battery and nobody has jumper cables.

Definately don't push it unless your life is at stake and no rope is available.

Tom W

tried that on my 87 300d when starter went out. didnt do anything, just coasted along in 2 until it stopped ... wierd cuz owners manual said same thing.

Pull, don't push.
 

I have done this to a friend's 1980 300SD on multiple occasions.

Tow it if possible, as opposed to pushing.

My firsthand experience indicates that you have to be going at least 30mph for this to work. Tow with something strong, preferably a dedicated towing strap (more cushion than a chain). When the car being towed starts, have the driver flash his lights so that the tow vehicle knows to slow gradually, allowing some slack in the strap. You do not want to crash the two vehicles into one another.

It will work, but you need to be going pretty fast. It can be a little scary for both parties.

SteveM.

Hills work great. Ive done it before on my cars, speeds in the high teens are required if it is cold, if its hot it requires almost 30mph. So if your alternator ever dies park on a nearby hill and you should be fine

Sloped parking lot is good for a stick =D. Maybe 10 MPH tops. I had a SAAB gasser that would start at 4-5 mph.

Well if we're talking about manual transmission gas vehicles like moon161... I once roll started my old Bronco II in a small flat parking lot by myself. Quite the maneuver to run around into the drivers seat and dump the clutch on it before running out of space.

I do it on our short (but steep) hill here in front of our house. I roll until I get to about 18-20mph, then I slip it into L, 2-3 seconds later it rev's up and is running. It works very well.