Hi again,

A new little issue. My 1980 300SD is a little rough at startup. Starts fine (in all kinds of weather) but the first 30 seconds can have knocks that sound like something is missing. A little rough feeling also.

I can step on the gas (diesel?) pedal to end the problem early or allow the car a minute or so to warm up. Any suggestions as to the problem?

It may help to know that very little has been done to the car over the past few years.

Thanks.

Oh and a huge warning story coming for anyone who needs a mechanic in Vancouver, BC. This is a beauty.

I have a 85 300d. It also knocks a little after starting. I let it idle until it settles down, about 20-30 seconds. I also try to keep it below 1500 rpm for the first mile or so. My thinking is that my oil is too thick. The previous owner used 30wt. I am going to change to a 15w40 Pennzoil Heavy Duty( Pennzoil has a very low pour point) this week end to see if that helps. I have only been driving the car for 3 months so I don't know what to expect. The noise may have something do with diesel engines when they are cold.

Gary

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time.

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Gary
85 300D Ivory, 202,000
Beatus exsisto Jesu, verus et Deus verus Vir

The likely cause is a weak/bad glowplug. If you have 4 out of five working it will start just fine but only run on four cylinders for the first few seconds or so. Like TXBill said I wouldn't worry about it too much but if another glow plug packs it in you may start to have trouble starting it in cold weather. Just keep in mind that Diesels generally aren't smooth runners when they are cold.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold