I've been having an issue starting the '82 SD. Get in, wait about 10-15 seconds after the glow light goes off, the car fires right up, no problems. However, to keep it running I have to rest my foot on the accelerator. If not, the idle slowly goes down and the engine stops. I cannot simply start the car and not touch the accelerator. The car will fire up in single digit temps, but will not stay running on its own when it falls into the 40's. After a few minutes of my foot on the accelerator, one of two things happens: 1. The idle goes up to about 900 rpm and stays there, or 2. the idle will surge up and down between 1000- 700 rpm.

A few things:

1. I use Mobil Delvac oil
2. I do not know when glow plugs were replaced, however, it starts right up, its the idle I have problems with...
3. It is due for a valve adjustment (to be performed this week)
4. I do not have a block heater installed (CA car)

The part that is so puzzling is that the '85 SD (with 140K more miles on it) starts right up and stays running... Any help is appreciated, also the car is currently at 220K miles, if that helps at all. Thanks, David.

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2015 E250 Bluetec Black/designo Sand
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1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino Leather
1982 300SD Silver Blue/ Pacific Blue Leather