Hello. I am hoping to get some suggestions from members.

1983 300TD.
Both fuel filters replaced. Previous oil change. (approx 3-4k miles ago)
average fuel mileage 24-28 (fwiw)
Clear filter still looks clean. (I know that doesnt mean much).
Tranny fluid is clean and at normal level.
No strange noises, smoke, or other indications.
I accelerate gently and cruise at 60 +/- 5mph except in the 10 miles of 65mph zone where I maintain 65-69mph.


Scenario: I was 5 minutes from the end of my 75 minute commute, today with a 30 minute detour. Power just dropped off and I decelerated from 50mph. As I pulled into a parking lot, the motor cut out.

I can only assume the oil pressure is good as I have no functioning gauge (see my sig).

Water temp was normal, about 80*C (approx).

Oil level is fine.
I dont see any fuel leaks (doesnt mean there arent any).

Trying to start the motor again, it stumbles, will not respond to throttle, and does not idle. Just dies.

I pulled off a fuel return jumper to see if there is fuel flowing.
Fuel flowing.
Not sure what rate is acceptable.

After 3-4 tries to start while checking for fuel flow, motor finally responded to throttle and kept an idle.

It appears as if nothing happened.


Is there an electric feed pump that could be failing?

suggestions on what to check first?

I have new fuel filters I was planning to install by the next oil change.

Thanks for reading and for any suggestions.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

try pulling the breather tube from the valve cover next time

..and the fuel tank cap

other than that, regular maintenance items first.

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There is a screen filter in the tank, You might want to check it.

Mine was extremelly dirty, did not experienced loss of power but it must have been pretty close to create some problem.

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1980 300TD(euro non turbo): Eng: 617.912 /Tran:722.118
1985 300SD: Eng: 617.951/Tran: 722.416

Thanks gents. Great suggestions....so what is the procedure to check/clean/replace the intank screen?

is there a lift pump or any electric fuel pump pushing toward the IP?

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

there is no electric pump.

the IP is provided with fuel pressure by the lift pump / hand primer unit on the driver's side of the IP. The fuel pressure is kept constant by a relief valve on the opposite side of the IP.

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After a long drive, if that happens again, open the tank cap and listen. Do you hear a "whoosh"? If so you may have a plugged tank vent.
To check the screen, you need to remove it. It's at the bottom of the tank, so run down as far as you can and take it out. It may come out with the fuel line.
There's a pic in the link.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=254629

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83 SD

84 CD

The next time this happens I will check for the 'in rush' of air when loosening the cap.

So to access the tank screen, undo the hose clamp and remove the left side of the fuel line pictured, then remove the line via the large hex? The screen "should" come out?
What if it doesnt? Will it be floating around inside?





Thanks for the great advice.

Would it not be wise to remove the tank from time to time to make sure it is clean, check the fuel lines, etc?

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

My car did that when I ran a tank of B-100. The little primary filter clogged up, and fast.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Did the primary filter still look clean? Mine does.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

On mine, no it did not. It was full of brown colored junk.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Yeah, sometimes the screen will come out with that hose, otherwise you'll need a large, 45mm, open end wrench.

Removing the tank and cleaning it occasionally isn't a bad idea, just a lot of labor.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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83 SD

84 CD