I searched around the forums for a bit, but couldn't really find too much...I changed the oil in my '83 300SD (250k odo) about 250 miles ago. I used Rotella 15w-30 heavy duty diesel oil, and a generic filter from my local advance auto.

The car seems to only pull at only about 85% now. I checked that I didn't break any vacuum lines. I DID put in 8 quarts (two jugs) of the rotella....after realizing my mistake, I checked the dipstick, and it seemed to be right around the top mark, so I didn't bother sucking any out. I recently changed the fuel filters, so I don't think that would be the issue. However if I don't hear any "try this first" things here, I'll put a jug of diesel under the hood and draw off that, and see if that helps anything.

Thanks in advance for any help!

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1983 300SD ~250k

Check you vac hoses again. They are so close to the oil filter housing it is easy to knock one off or pull one out.

Check both ends. These normally don't crack, but they do pull loose easiely.

Pooka

You could have broken or dislodged the boost control line which runs from the banjo bolt onthe back of the intake manifold over to the boost controller. Make sure the line and banjo bolt are clear.

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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

thanks for that info...I'll check all lines again tomorrow.

Just to add - it does seem like the car is putting out a good bit more smoke than normal (used to be almost none). I don't know if that would help lead me in any certain direction.

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1983 300SD ~250k

The oil filter housing is also very close to the accelerator linkage.
I had the same symptoms caused by a bad ????(the ball connection at the firewall). If it was badly worn, you could have moved it into a less than optimum position and limited the travel to the IP.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Why such a heavy grade oil? A lighter oil like 5w40 is better.....easier starting and better pressure/lube on cold start. Unless your using a unimog in the desert an oil like that isn't really necessary....

Check out the oil filter thread thats going on. Chances are you just put a cheaply made canister of dead beetles, sticks, and small rocks into your engine. I'd use a better made filter!

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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)

Not only is the 15wx going to be hard to start in the cold, I wouldn't want to use an xw30 oil... seems like it would be too thin at operating temp. I use 5W40 oil in all my diesels and they start and run great hot or cold.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll switch to a 5w40 or 5w30 oil and see if I can notice a difference. My thermo is stuck open, so I rarely see higher than 80*C anyways, so I bet the xw30 will be fine.

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1983 300SD ~250k

Don't fix one problem with another band aide. Use the correct weight oil then fix your thermostat. Cooler running temps will hurt your fuel economy.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Don't switch to a 5W-30 oil because it's still a xW-30 oil. Many of these guys who are recommending that you use a 5W-40 oil live in colder climates where it actually benefits them. I don't know where you live, but in warm climates, a 15W-40 oil will do just fine. That's why you need to list your location in your profile so folks can help you better.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

oops, sorry. I live in Southwest VA (though I'm in the Washington DC area right now visiting the folks). Upper 40's during the day, mid 30's at night, I guess. It's been changing recently.

What should I be seeing for temps (in celsius) in my car? And how fast should they get there?

Thanks for all these replies!

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1983 300SD ~250k

Above 30 degrees I use 15/40 - below that I use a synthetic blend.
At 30 degrees, car warms up in the driveway to 40 C, a 2 mile drive to slightly above 60 C, about 7 miles to hit just below 80 C.
It's not thoroughly warmed up til about 12 - 15 miles (82 C)
45 mph, 1 stop sign and 2 red lights

wow, thanks for that detailed report! I've realized that my thermostat is in fact stuck open. Car should heat up a LOT faster after I fix that!

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1983 300SD ~250k