I have a 1960 190Db that doesn't seem to be running properly. At a low idle, the engine isn't "even" and the idle seems a bit erratic. It will go up and down every now and then and it usually is puffing out some blue (unburnt) smoke too. Any thoughts? I wasn't sure if pump timing would cause this?

Thanks.

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1960 MB 190Db w/ full sunroof
1985 Toyota Pickup
2006 Honda Odyssey EXL R&N
2001 VW Jetta GLS TDI

I know absolutely nothing about your car..... but if it has an adjustable idle (knob somewhere on dash) turn it up some. I don't know if it has that option though, just a thought.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

Another thought...could the injectors be dirty?

Does this only do this when cold or when it's hot as well? If onyl when cold, glow plugs are another possibility...

Hope that helps a bit. Good luck!

Yes this model diesel has the inside idle adjust knob on the dash. Turn it ccw to increase the idle speed. Another possible problem might be a bad load of diesel, this happened to me when I was driving the '61. Had to dump about half the tank and put good stuff in to get it to quit clattering and blowing smoke.

Marcb, is this condition after the engine has heated up to normal operating conditions or is it just after starting? If the later it can sure be a GP problem, but since these are series GP's, if one is dead (open) they will all be inoperable.

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

Marcb,

Since the GP are turned off as soon as the engine starts, it is unlikely that the GP are the cause of your problems. If the engine starts easily, your GP are OK.

When the speed of the engine varies and the smoke appears, does the engine seem to misfire? If it misfires, it could have low compression, maybe only in 1 cylinder. Have you done a compression test lately.

You also might take your injectors to a Diesel injection shop and have them tested.

P E H

I'd call for dirty injectors. GP's in these beasts either work or they don't as they're series - unless somebody has swapped them out and modified them to parallel as was done on mine. From what you are describing, you have an injector that is intermittently sticking open briefly. Run some diesel purge through the engine, and rebuild the injectors if this doesn't fix it.

Hey guys,

Thanks for all of the replies! The GP on the car seem to be working ok, but I think the indicator on the dash glows awfully quick. When it is glowing, it is a bright orange... much brighter than my '65 190D. Also, the engine never seems to misfire, but it does take a little cranking to get it started when it is warm. I think I'll try and compression test it this weekend and I'll post the results. Also, would a valve adjustment correct any of these issues?

Thanks again and keep the good info coming this way! You guys are great!

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1960 MB 190Db w/ full sunroof
1985 Toyota Pickup
2006 Honda Odyssey EXL R&N
2001 VW Jetta GLS TDI

Marcb,

Yes, if some of the valves are too tight, it can cause compression loss and misfiring of the engine. Check the valve clearances before you adjust any of them. Some may not need adjustment.

P E H