I put my 1979 300TD to sleep in a shed for a year and now I can't get it to wake up.

I've purged the fuel system (including the injector pump and injector lines)--I'm now running clean fuel directly from a small fuel tank through the aftermarket electric fuel pump to the IP. The fuel is currently 95% diesel and 5% gasoline (a caffeinated mix for a sleep auto!). I ran WVO in this car for several years, but had been running pure diesel for months when I put it to sleep.

I've replaced and tested the glow plugs.

I've removed, cleaned, and replaced the injectors.

I've lubricated the throttle assembly (which had frozen up during the year).

I've opened the air cleaner to bypass the moldy air filter.

There is fuel pressure (high!) at the IP, and fuel flows when I crack the injector lines at the injectors and spin the engine.

The engine _almost_ catches after it cranks for 15 or 20 seconds. Before that, it doesn't even really fire. I keep running down the battery and then having to trickle charge it to go back and try again.

I'm at my wit's end.

HELP!

Thanks!

Have you tested the glow plugs are getting voltage when you turn the key to the glow position? Or just that the glow plugs work?

When you say you removed, cleaned and replaced injectors, did you check the spray pattern?

Hooking up another battery may help give you more tries and longer cranking times.

My guess is the engine has low compression and needs everything in order to start after a long sit. Check for power at the glow plugs while glowing and add an extra battery to crank longer. Hooking up another car to it while that car is running should accomplish the same thing of allowing you to crank longer.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

thanks for the reply.

I tested the glow plugs by using jumpers from the glow plug wire by the firewall and turning the key to run through a glow cycle.

I was not able to pattern or pressure test the injectors, though I did clean them carefully. Even if the pattern and pressure were a little off on one or more of them, the thing would still _run_, wouldn't it?

just keep cranking, huh?

has the car ran WVO? Did you by chance last shut it down with some in IP?

It has been discussed before, but the rack in IP may be sticking. I had the same problem.

Check the "wont start for anything" thread

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82 MB 300TD, 87 Audi 4000TQ, 05 Audi A4 avant 1.8T 6spd (Wifes), 63 356C, Samurai VW 1.6TD, 71 NSU 1200C, 71 Toyota Hilux, tractors and junk

I don't understand your glow plug testing procedure. I suspect your plugs are not working. You have series/loop plugs if it's still OE. If one fails, they all fail. Are the resistor wires glowing red hot when the key is in the glow position?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

@kerry, I have pencil-style plugs wired in parallel. I'm pretty certain they're working (after replacing them, I tested a couple of them "in situ" by using jumper wires and running the car through the glow cycle with the plugs wired in but not actually screwed into the block/head).

@Markp, I'm trying to find that thread and failing (the search function on this site doesn't seem to be working properly). Fuel flows when I crack the injector lines at the injectors and crank...

I suggest removal of the injectors. Make sure you have spare compression seals. Turn off the garage lights and turn the key for pre glow. Look down each injector port and make sure you have glow on each GP. After you confirm that the GP are all operational, crack the engine with the ejectors removed and connected to the pump. Put a towel down to sop up the fuel. Have some one crank the engine while you inspect each ejector spray pattern and that fuel is coming out of each one. If the above checks out, crank a bit more and drop in some motor oil into each piston. Crank a bit longer to get most of the oil out and then reinstall everything and try to start. NOt sure how to test the control rod issue someone else posted.

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63 190d (sold)
69 220D (sold)
69 280SL (sold)
76 BMW 2002 (sold)
86 190E-16v (Demised at Laguna Seca Turn 9)
87 300SDL (sold)
87 300SDL 135k
87 300TD 280k (sold)
95 E320W 211k
95 E320w 111k
05 C320 4matic
06 E320 CDI 90k (Totaled by a texting 19 year old girl in a nissan)
2013 GLK 250 Bluetek 4MATIC

Did you bleed the fuel system all the way to the injectors? I wouldn't worry about the injector pattern until you get it running.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

If fuel is flowing/pressure is building at inj, then its probably not the problem.

Try pinching the return, maybe the check valve at outlet of IP is stuck? Again, probably not the problem since you see fuel at inj, but are you seeing enough fuel/pressure there?

All this assumes that GP's have 12V and are working... Make sure engine to chassis ground is good.

I can hear that cranking from here! Don't kill your starter.

Good luck.

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82 MB 300TD, 87 Audi 4000TQ, 05 Audi A4 avant 1.8T 6spd (Wifes), 63 356C, Samurai VW 1.6TD, 71 NSU 1200C, 71 Toyota Hilux, tractors and junk

This the thread you were refering to?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/104222-wont-start-anything-1985-300sd.html

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I have to give a X2 to Graplr.

Also, you say the air cleaner element was MOULDY? Are you sure the airway into the intake is clear and not also mouldy?

To my knowledge, the 79 617's were not turbo. Is it possible that the airflow could be choked with detritus?

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Codifex
1981 240D ChinaBlue (Got her running with a donor engine.)
1983 300DTurbo w/sunroof.
1984 300TD manual sunroof. (Electrical Gremlins)