Banker friend driving his pristine '80 300SD down the freeway, car STOPS running, no warning, performing beautifully before rush hour traffic. Changed fuel filters, cleaned injectors, etc. When the car cranks, it doesn't "suck" air into the air cleaner, it pushes air out. The car has every service record since new (about 40 pages) and is overall stunning 160K documented miles (euro delivery with velour seats). What would cause this...Motor? The Turbo wastegate doesn't seem to want to open with the vac tester (probably not enough vacuum). Any suggestions? Want to help him get the car going...
Thanks!!!

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R Talley
84 300D-T

[This message has been edited by TCCBass (edited 08-01-2000).]

Jumped timing (a lot).

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Thanks for your reply Jeff. I had thought that last night.
My next question: Is it common for the 617 Motor to do this? And, should the timing chain be adjusted (link taken out) or replaced? I would think it would need to be replaced, and I'm not about to tear into that.
Could there be any internal engine damage? The engine spins freely, but doesn't "fire".
Thanks for any help, as I know he's wanting to get out of the Chevy truck and back in the Benz.

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R Talley
84 300D-T

I would start with takeing off the valve cover and check if the timing mark on the camshaft lines up with 0 on the crankshaft pulley. You will have to turn the engine with a socket wrench to line up the camshaft timing mark. Also check that cam or cam towers are not broken.
P E H

I forgot to warn you that turning the engine must be done via the nut (27mm) on the crankshaft not the camshaft. Turbo has no affect at cranking speed and not fully effective until 2500 RPM so this cannot be any part of the problem.