82 300SD Shaking engine, stalling 2 min after start, rough shifting - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bxfl · #1 10-09-2009, 09:10 AM

So I just purchased a 82 300SD (229,000 miles) that came into my possession after a long drive from NY to OH.

PO says these issues were not "issues" before, so I'm looking to isolate the problem(s).

1) Engine shakes a lot at idle, causing other things to shake loose

2) I start the car, wait a little, then drive down my street. At the stop sign, the car stalls. Sometimes it stalls a second time, sometimes it doesn't. The morning commute is about 25 minutes.

3) Noticed slightly black smoke emitting from the exhaust

4) The car accelerates only after you put a lot of pressure on the pedal with your foot. Kinda feels like I have to "stomp" on it

5) Automatic transmission feels like there's a novice driving manual under the hood. It sounds like it shifts hard

6) But this puppy runs nice on the highway...

Any clues???

I've been reading a lot of other posts and I'm starting to wonder if I need to do a rack damper tightening or replacement. Also, I wonder if if have algae growing in my system and whether I should run some sort of cleaner through the tank to get things out of there. Also wondering if the "shifting" issue is due to poor vacuum to the transmission. However, I'm wondering if other people may have experienced all of these symptoms combined or whether it is all separate issues.

kerry · #2 10-09-2009, 10:02 AM

I'd say a heavy dose of skepticism about the PO's claim about what was or wasn't the case prior to purchase is in order.
Here's what I would do:
Replace all fuel filters.--fill the new secondary filter with a burnable fuel before installing.
Replace the air filter.
Check the motor mounts.
Check fuel lines for air leaks.
Check for vacuum leaks.
Check the line from the banjo bolt to the overboost valve to make sure it is clear.

Report back.

barry123400 · #3 10-09-2009, 10:42 AM

If the previous owner is being upfront. A dose of bad fuel or a reciently developed air leak is possible. The rack damper pin would have no bearing on the present issue if the owner is honest. Also since the car goes well on the highway I would not suspect fuel filters particularily. Yet they can contribute to strange symptoms directly or indirectly on occasion.

Look in the small clear filter for air bubbles processing for starters. Now if the past owner is a liar many possibilities exist. You hopefully should have the measure of the individual since you met him.

toomany MBZ · #4 10-09-2009, 11:43 AM

You may want to try a diesel purge, change filters after that.

Junkman · #5 10-09-2009, 11:47 AM

So far, poor running, non-existent acceleration have been caused by clogged filters &/or bad fuel. I always now make sure that the filters are fresh before a trip. Also, Startron makes a good fuel additive. People here suggested algae was a problem. I thought Startron was likely snake oil but dumped some in the tank, waited a day for it to disperse as the car wouldn't start & I didn't have time to deal with it. It ran the next day. Do further diagnosis after you know the filters & fuel are good.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/141656/377%20710%201827/1822/startron/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710%201827&Ne=1822&Ntt=startron&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=startron&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=6&subdeptNum=169&classNum=764

bxfl · #6 10-09-2009, 01:20 PM

Junkman, how much did you use?
Should I just buy 16 oz and dump it in with a full tank of diesel?

Junkman · #7 10-09-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bxfl

Junkman, how much did you use?
Should I just buy 16 oz and dump it in with a full tank of diesel?

I don't remember. Whatever the directions said + a little bit. I was surprised by the results. Apparently algae was the problem. It hasn't happened again.

Fulcrum525 · #8 10-09-2009, 01:45 PM

How long was this car sitting before you bought it?

fruitcakesa · #9 10-09-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bxfl

So I just purchased a 82 300SD (229,000 miles) that came into my possession after a long drive from NY to OH.

PO says these issues were not "issues" before, so I'm looking to isolate the problem(s).

1) Engine shakes a lot at idle, causing other things to shake loose

2) I start the car, wait a little, then drive down my street. At the stop sign, the car stalls. Sometimes it stalls a second time, sometimes it doesn't. The morning commute is about 25 minutes.

3) Noticed slightly black smoke emitting from the exhaust

4) The car accelerates only after you put a lot of pressure on the pedal with your foot. Kinda feels like I have to "stomp" on it

5) Automatic transmission feels like there's a novice driving manual under the hood. It sounds like it shifts hard

6) But this puppy runs nice on the highway...

Any clues???

I've been reading a lot of other posts and I'm starting to wonder if I need to do a rack damper tightening or replacement. Also, I wonder if if have algae growing in my system and whether I should run some sort of cleaner through the tank to get things out of there. Also wondering if the "shifting" issue is due to poor vacuum to the transmission. However, I'm wondering if other people may have experienced all of these symptoms combined or whether it is all separate issues.

Check your throttle linkage for slop. I only had 40% fuel valve movement at WOT when I first got the 81. Really slowwww....

dannym · #10 10-09-2009, 02:09 PM

Startron is definitely not snake oil.
Startron also sells a tank cleaner , which is basically the same thing but you get more.

Lots of good posts on your issues. Nobody has mentioned adjusting the Bowden cable. That's quick & easy to do. Other than that your shifting is more than likely due to vacuum issues.

I would adjust the rack damper anyway and make sure the engine shocks and mounts are good.

X2 on an air leak in the fuel system. More than likely at the primer pump.

Danny

bxfl · #11 10-09-2009, 03:30 PM

My local auto parts store only carry "Diesel 911". Do you think it is comparable, or no?

bxfl · #12 10-09-2009, 03:39 PM

Can anyone post a photo of where the rack damper screw is? I'm looking through 2 Chilton's books and they didn't seem to be called that before...

bxfl · #13 11-06-2009, 06:16 PM

OK so another clue to this mystery......
If I shift back to park when it starts it's "I'm gonna stall" shaking, it's fine. Weird?

Does this help try to diagnose it??

toomany MBZ · #14 11-06-2009, 08:59 PM

Okay, shakes in gear but not in park.
Perhaps a low idle rpm issue. Otherwise, well, not sure. When I had a RD bolt issue, it didn't matter what gear I was in.
The RD bolt, which doesn't seem to be your problem, is located on the rear lower part of the IP, just in front of the oil filter housing.

hobberslobbers · #15 11-08-2009, 07:48 PM

bxfl, i too am in OH and had a similar issue on an '82 300D turbo i purchased. mine shifted way early and hard, and was a real dog in town. i assume you know what i mean. here's what i did.

since we're both in ohio, start using ProService in the white jug at each fill-up. this is their winter blend with anti-gel and the stuff works. don't ask me how i learned this...but it involved an '03 Jetta TDI and 20 degrees below zero last Feb to get my advanced degree in Antigelology. i have heard good things about the 911 product, but haven't used it. you probably will have to get away from autozone and advanced auto to do your shopping for fluids. napa might have some of the stuff you need, but pricey for sure. most stores just don't carry diesel stuff. try your local truck stop or shop here or other diesel sites for 'em. btw, i use ProService all the time...in my 82 300D and in my wife's '98 E300 TD.

second thing, change all fluids and filters. start with oil, then transmission, then rear differential, then radiator, oh yeah...and both the fuel filters. i suspect the problems you are having are under high fuel loads. on the highway, you are using much less fuel and, for the most part, at a constant rate, so your car doesn't complain. order the following here or from other online diesel shops....

then, get started checking your vacuum hoses on the left side of the engine compartment. i had a bunch of loose ones and replaced the lines (you CAN get this at autozone) and it made a world of difference. the thing i learned with my '82 is that the vacuum lines had to be tightly connected, not just connected. after you get that done, then start checking your check valves, top to bottom.

on top of your valve cover, there is a black cover and inside are two 3/2 check-valves. these are really important for smooth shifting. if the flippers are worn, they need to be replaced. i went ahead and replaced both 3/2 check-valves, but they are kinda pricey. the other two i replaced were the white one and the yellow one on the left side, in front of the master cylinder. i have one more to go...it's a green one on the left front side of the transmission.

clean your banjo bolts (theme from "Deliverance" plays in the background) on both the intake side and IP side, and check to be sure you have 0, zip, zilch, nada loose connections anywhere.

once you have done these things, then you will have established a good starting point and basis for your service. if something is still fickle, then you have a better foundation with which to proceed in trouble-shooting.

hope this helps.