Looking at an 1983 300SD

[fortee9er]

Hi
I am new to this forum. The reason for joining is that I am looking at a 1983 300SD "project". The seller says she was driving the car when it came to halt and would not start. She had the car towed to her home and has put it up for sale.
She says the engine will crank over but will not start. The car has about 215k miles.
Any ideas what to check or does this sound like the engine is toast?
Thank You

[Diesel911]

If the Fuel Tank Screen or the 2 Fuel Filters are plugged it will cut the Fuel off to the Fuel Injection System.
First place to start.
Locate the little supposed to be clear Plastic Fuel Filter that is under the Hodd and see what you can see through the Plastic. If it is full of Black or dark gray stuff it is very likely that the Filters are plugged.

Along with the above loosen one or more Fuel Injection Lines at the Fuel Injectors and Crank the Engine and see if Fuel Comes of them. Never get any of your Body Parts near the Fuel Injection Lines when they are open during Cranking of the Engine. Stand back and observe.

Check the Oil level and see if there is enough Oil in the Crankcase and the Color of the Oil. If you see any milky colored Oil you have Coolant mixed with the Oil that could be an indication of a Head Gasket failure. Also if you have Oil in the Coolant.

[Junkman]

Glow plugs could be out. Make a note whether the glow indicator comes on. Don't diagnose in front of current owner unless they are a friend.

Non-running had better be cheap. You can't diagnose engine, trans, brakes or anything when it is just sitting.

Check for body damage/paint need/interior. Plan on engine, tranny, brakes, shocks, drive shaft suspension all needing refurbishment unless there are receipts or obvious work done. Note who did the work. Competency (lack of) is a consideration.

How much? Where?

[vstech]

It may have run out of fuel...