W115 300D stored for 6 month, trouble starting. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Sandro · #1 08-30-2012, 11:16 PM

Hi everyone,
This is my first post on the forum after getting reading and getting a bunch of help from other posts. Now I'm having problems getting my automatic 1976 300d to start.

After reading through some posts I've been wanting some more specific advice on where I should start. Can someone give me some ideas on what I should do first?

Thanks in advance!

Njdub · #2 08-30-2012, 11:25 PM

Gonna have to give us some more information first. Does it crank? Does it turn over? What does it do?

Sandro · #3 08-30-2012, 11:30 PM

Yes, the engine does crank, but it doesn't sound like its about to start

Also, I haven't done anything to it yet since taking it out of storage.

kerry · #4 08-31-2012, 10:32 AM

Most no-start conditions are caused by non-functioning glow plugs, particularly in the engines with series glow plugs. Are the heavy squiggly wires between the plugs glowing red hot (visible at night) during the glow cycle?

Sandro · #5 08-31-2012, 09:20 PM

Hi kerry,
Yes I am getting the red wires you're talking about. Do you think I should swap them out for some pencil type plugs(maybe later on?)?

I am going to try drain the leftover fuel, and put some fresh fuel in the tank. Should I siphon or try draining it thoroughly from the bottom of the tank?

Would adding a cetane booster to the tank be beneficial? Should I try starting on some Diesel Purge?

kerry · #6 08-31-2012, 09:53 PM

Plugs are working then. I would swap to pencil style later. I wouldn't bother draining the tank yet. Just put some diesel in a soda bottle and use it as a temporary fuel supply, running a hose down in the fuel and to the clear filter and then putting the return line the bottle too.