So tried starting the car at lunch time and NG. Yes I know the part about proper valve gap, etc... Not to concerned about the engine in this car as its knocking and I have a replacement. Starter fluid is a no no and it has a warning on the can, but has anyone tried little shots of it? Can you use it without the glow plugs or without giving the glowplugs a chance?
What else? WD-40, a small shot of gas?

May be time to just ebay this one as is.

Gotta a bunch of old junky cars, may just be time to get down to 1 decent one.

Dave

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

When my SD wouldn't start I would shoot it with a bit of starting fluid after pulling the GP fuse. Worked well.

I wouldn't do it to a good engine though.


My uncles old John Deere backhoe has an either button on the dash that you hit to help it light off when its cold. Thats a good diesel though, it starts in the 20's with no heaters, no GP's, nothing.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If its an old engine you don't care about use starting fluid with the Glow Plugs Disconnected.....then it would probably start....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Is this the wagon? Why Ebay it if you have a replacement engine? Have you checked the glowplugs for voltage and resistance?

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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

dont recommend it but starting fluid works

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

if the engine is knocking and no good, why do you even car about starting it?

BTW, duty cycle on the starter is like 30 seconds. keep cranking for a good 10-15 at a time then let it cool off. eventually it should start to kick over. have you pumped the primer?

if it just kinda sputters keep the starter engaged for a few seconds til she runs on her own. my first Merc i had to do that...been sitting for like years....but ran fine after.

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

i'd use a dribble of RUG gas in the air cleaner instead of starter fluid

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

Yes, its the wagon. Ebay it because everywhere I look I have "junk cars" that need work, and I'm getting old for F N with cars after 12 hours at work just to get home to my other projects.

Sorry I'm having a down moment right now. New Years resolution number 68, no more down moments.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

Thats what I was wondering....

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

I'd like to start it to get home for the big celebration before the wife and I fall asleep.

I was thinking I should check the voltage to the glowplugs.

It really only sounds like a very slight chance of a start with the first try. When I say slight it like very hard to even tell, but any attempts from the point on theres hardly anything going on.
I'm wondering if it will even start with the starter fluid.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

'Does the engine have a Block Heater?
'Plug it in for 6-7 hours,minimum.
'Glow and then see if it'll start.

(Hint...Ether is used on Direct Injection Diesels ONLY)
If you elect to use Ether/Starting Fluid [BIG No,No]and achieve "No Start",
just go ahead and drag out the Engine Lift and start unhooking equipment.

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Tow starting is a "last ditch" method if its possible where you are. You have to get her up to, as i remember, 35 mph or so. If your sure the GPs are good and your getting fuel up to the injectors, give her a tow

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I've heard of, don't try this at home kids, 2 batteries in series on that starter.

Sounds like a good way to fry a starter

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'83 300D 198,000mi Howard
'03 Saturn Vue CVT 75,000mi(wifeys)

Starter speed might be part of the problem, although I still don't think I'll do this right off.
What can I say, the car is tired and old.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.