Have an 87 300TD with 92,000 just purchased an 87 300SDL with 221,000. First thing I noticed was that the TD really lacked the power and pick-up of the SDL.

Talked with my mechanic and he felt something was wrong with the fuel injection or pump timing. He said he doesn't have the tools to fix the 87's. He gave me the names of a few places that might be able to fix it if they have the tools.

Figured I'd post it hear to see if I'm going in the right direction. My mechanic is a straight shooter an independent that works mostly on MB's. Just didn't feel confident in his answer and don't want to chase my tail to get this problem solved.

Any suggestions?

Couple of thoughts.

You have had the trap ox recall performed on the TD, yes? If the trap oxidiser is still in place and partially clogged it will dramatically reduce available power.

The most common cause of missing gitupngo in these cars is a blockage in the boost signal to the ALDA. The ALDA is a device atop the injection pump which increases the quantity of fuel injected as boost pressure rises. More air + more fuel = more power. If the boost signal line is completely blocked you are in effect driving a 90HP non-turbo car.

It strikes me as very unlikely that you have injection pump timing problems. If injection timing is off there are always other symptoms beyond power loss. Early or late injection timing also affects noise & vibration levels, causes hard starting, and excess smoke. Unless you also have these problems it's probably not a timing issue.

JC,

Thanks for the tip...I'll run it by my mechanic tomorrow. We bought the TD from the original owner...the car had been in storage for almost 3 years...after the husband has passed away.

I'll have to check the records to see if this was done.
Is this something that can be done now by my mechanic?

Thanks for the direction...

Kelly

Like jcyuhn said, first things to check are the trap oxidizer (should be removed) and the line from the intake to the ALDA (make sure it's all clean). A test drive with a boost gauge installed, "teed" in at the ALDA, will help diagnose this further. Spec is 0.85-0.95 bar (13-14 psi) at full load @ 4000rpm.

If the car has good high-RPM power but is a slug off the line, the problem is the IP. It can probably be corrected by adjusting the ALDA. This is normally factory-set and not adjustable except by a Bosch shop, but if you remove the little "anti-tamper" can on top you can tweak it.

Please, make SURE that wherever you take the car, the shop knows Mercedes diesels VERY well. Otherwise you WILL get steered in the wrong direction and end up spending money on unecessary repairs! From what you said it's highly unlikely the I/P timing is off, unless the timing chain is stretched - which at 100kmi is NOT likely.

PS: Note the cars in my signature...

Best regards,

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Dave
Boise, ID
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GSXR,

Thanks, I'll post my findings later this week...really enjoying the 300SDL I just bought...interior and exterior were in near mint condition...I have lucked in to finding 2 great vehicles.

Only problem with SDL is Sunroof, motor runs, it tilts up but won't retract. I ran a search on some threads but it get confusing...sounds like the cables are detached.

Thanks for the great advice!