1985 300D Turbo- starting issues...been sitting - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wordmanjay · #1 10-24-2009, 05:32 PM

The car has been sitting for just under a year.
I charged the battery, changed the oil, oil fiter and air filter, and gave it a crank.
Here's the results:
-When I turned the key on, my glowplug light came on.
-It turned the engine over a couple times and then nothing....lights still work, but not enough juice to crank the engine.
-Charged the battery again.
-Turned the key, no glowplug light.
-Tuned over a number of times until the battery started to go down.
-Charged battery again. (I've killed this battery so many times and recharged it.....it may need replaced....although it takes a charge?)

I noticed that the fuel filter by the hand pump had fuel, but the inline filter just above the oil filter housing is bone dry. I thought there was enough fuel in the tank when I parked it....maybe not?
-I unscrewed the hand pump thinking that was a good idea, but when I pumped down......fuel came out of the pump.....I'm assuming I need a new pump?
Also, when I was changing the oil filter...I noticed that some of the vacuum lines that I had to push out of the way didn't fit real snug into their fittings. I'm about to go through my entire vacuum system with the help of one of kits sold on that mercedes source website....but in the meantime...is there something there that would be affecting this?

I think I know what to do but would like some input.
I'm thinking....put some fuel in the tank in case it's empty.
Charge the battery....and replace it soon.
Crank it until it gets fuel and starts.

Thanks in advance for the comments.
Jay

junqueyardjim · #2 10-24-2009, 05:42 PM

Number one rule to get a diesel to run. Have adequate fuel and a good battery. It is impossible for them to run with out fuel. It is next to impossible for them to start with a sulfated old battery.

toomany MBZ · #3 10-24-2009, 06:50 PM

Yeah, strong battery is a big help.
Also check the glow plugs for resistance.

kerry · #4 10-24-2009, 07:23 PM

Something odd about your description. There should not be an inline filter above the oil filter housing. The inline filter should be low, down near the primer pump. If there's an inline filter above the oil filter housing it's not OE and that could be contributing to your problem.
If your glowlight is not working it probably won't start. Check the strip fuse in the relay, confirm your glow plugs are getting 12 volts in the glow position and ohm out each glow plug. Each should be less than 1 ohm.

LuckyEddie · #5 10-24-2009, 07:50 PM

Just turn the key on and give the glow plug relay about thirty seconds to click off. If you are unsure that you have fuel crack a line to one injector and turn it over a few times. My glow light is fast even with new glow plugs so I just turn it on and count to fifteen then start. \

I just bought a 85 300CD that had been sitting for four years and it started like it had been running the day before. Go figure????

Good luck
Robert

Squabble · #6 10-24-2009, 08:08 PM

regardless of which fuel filter has what in it, you should probably change them out too just to be safe. of course, i've never heard of a fuel filter being above the oil filter housing...

after doing so, prime the system with many pumps, even if some fuel is leaking out of the hand pump. a lot of the older ones do this, and it does mean that you should/need to replace it, but for now use it to get that inline filter full of diesel and keep pumping until you hear a funny "zzsstt" noise. trust me.

then start cranking and see what happens. you might need to crank for a long time to push the last bit of air through.

that's my 2 cents.

Codifex Maximus · #7 10-24-2009, 09:40 PM

>-When I turned the key on, my glowplug light came on.
Ok. Good.

>-It turned the engine over a couple times and then
>nothing....lights still work, but not enough juice to
>crank the engine.
>-Charged the battery again.
Ok.

>-Turned the key, no glowplug light.
Glowplug system suspect or a flaky indicator bulb as previously suggested.

>-Tuned over a number of times until the battery started
>to go down.
>-Charged battery again. (I've killed this battery so many
>times and recharged it.....it may need replaced....although
>it takes a charge?)
Sounds like the battery is weak as previously suggested. It should last for a good long time without a charge. I once cranked on my 240D intermittently for thirty minutes, one cold winter, before my battery ran out of charge. (New glow plugs fixed the cold starting problem and the battery was spared.)
Check with battery hygrometer and fill cells to pucker with distilled water.

>I noticed that the fuel filter by the hand pump had fuel,
>but the inline filter just above the oil filter housing is
>bone dry. I thought there was enough fuel in the tank
>when I parked it....maybe not?
I, too, have never heard of a fuel filter above the oil filter housing. I think you may be referring to the second fuel filter by the power steering pump?
Just trace where the fuel stops flowing and replace any defective parts/clogged filters.

>-I unscrewed the hand pump thinking that was a good
>idea, but when I pumped down......fuel came out of the
>pump.....I'm assuming I need a new pump?
My guess is that air is getting in the line at the primer pump.

These old diesels are tough. If they get enough fuel, a proper glow plug warm-up and a spin from the starter, they usually start.

Well, that's my thoughts.
Codifex
Vehicles1981 240D SkyBlue (waiting on an engine)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof

wordmanjay · #8 10-24-2009, 10:45 PM

I tried to upload it...didn't take after several tries.
Let me describe that filter better-
It's not totally above the oil filter housing.
If you drew a line between the brake fluid resevoir and the top of the oil filter (diagonally....there it would be).
It's next to a bunch of vacuum lines.

Tomorrow- new battery....I'm thinking of a Optima 34R....lemme know your thoughts....and a can of gas just in case :O)
Thanks.

Palangi · #9 10-24-2009, 10:55 PM

Is it a little filter that looks like it belongs on a lawn mower? Could be one of those little chingaderas for detecting oil in the vacuum lines.

wordmanjay · #10 10-24-2009, 11:03 PM

It's whitish clear....has brown accordian-style paper inside...you can see into it.....the lines that are on it aren't super snug.

Palangi · #11 10-24-2009, 11:08 PM

Yeppers, it's not really a filter. It is for visual detection of oil in the vacuum lines.

wordmanjay · #12 10-24-2009, 11:16 PM

Glad it's not a fuel filter that's dry. Thanks for the relief.
Can of gas and a new battery tomorrow.
The glow plugs, relay, valve adjustment, new injectors....this is all stuff that needs addressed.....just need to get it running for now.....
I'll update the thread when I see what happens....
Thanks again.