Just got 1st Benz - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ImBroke · #1 06-21-2004, 11:41 AM

As the title suggests,, just bought a 77 300D, with 257k miles. The car currently does not run, which I'm trying to remedy. I have already searched, and found the hand pump (old screw style, not the new one on Fast Lane). I know I have fuel coming out of the injector pump, but I have not yet checked if it's getting the rest of the way to the injectors (today's project). Last night when I was cranking it, it started to sputter a little, and I got a little smoke out the back, so I think I'm getting close.

This forum totally rocks!!!!!

I went from knowing nothing about diesels to thinking I can actually fix this thing and get it going again.

Thanks in advance for everyone's support.

#2 06-21-2004, 11:52 AM

Did you crack open the bolt on the fuel filter when you used the hand pump? That way, you'll clear out any air that's trapped in the pipes. Once you see clear fluid coming out of the top of the flter cannister, snug down the bolt and try to start it again.

Joe B.

#3 06-21-2004, 12:33 PM

While you are at it you might replace both fuel filters. If this thing quit running on someone they will likely be bad. Also check the glow plugs. Just a thought, but that is often the source of a hard starter.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

ImBroke · #4 06-21-2004, 12:42 PM

Joe, I will very soon. Like in a matter of minutes. I'm also going to adjust the valves, since I don't know how long ago it's been done.

Old, the big filter looks new, and the little one looks good too. I know you can't tell flow by looks, but looking at the rest of the engine, and seeing these, they look to be recently replaced. \

I think he ran it out of fuel, and didn't know how to prime it back up?? I'll keep you posted on the results.. Never worked on a Benz til last night.

Rick Miley · #5 06-21-2004, 02:00 PM

Ok, if you've searched and found posts about the leaking primer pump, then you probably found the last one where I practically yelled at the guy to replace that pump. If it leaks fuel out, then it leaks air in and you may never get the engine started. There are at least two stories on this board about cars changing owners because of a leaking primer pump.

Rick Miley · #6 06-21-2004, 02:03 PM

Another thing that may be useful for you to know. The starters on these engines are designed so that you can keep them engaged after the engine begins to start. This is especially useful for winter, when it might start to fire on one or two cylinders but won't run on its own. You can keep the key cranked over for a few more seconds until more cylinders are firing. Ditto dor when you're repriming.

ImBroke · #7 06-21-2004, 02:06 PM

Rick, thanks, I do know how to search, (most of the time..lol). Here's one having to do with valve adjustment. Mine won't seem to adjust. The first one I checked (#1 Exhaust) was good, so I moved on to #3 Intake. This is what it looks like now. I've turned the adjusting nut over two turns clockwise, after hitting the jam nut, thinking that would do it. Nothing. I loosened up the jam nut, and turned the adjusting nut a bunch CCW, as you can see in the pics. My clearance won't move from where it started.
Any ideas??
Tony

Rick Miley · #8 06-21-2004, 02:12 PM

It looks like you're screwing down on the lock nut, and that won't get you anywhere. (The lower small one). You need to turn the top one (acorn) while holding the large nut at the bottom (spring collar) still. If you can't hold that bottom nut (the really big one) with a screwdriver, then you'll need the special third wrench. Many people have done this many times without the third wrench, including me. But when you need it you really need it and there is no substitute. Leathermang found that out the hard way. You can get the spring collar wrench at Performance Products or at a Mercedes dealer.

ImBroke · #9 06-21-2004, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Miley
It looks like you're screwing down on the lock nut, and that won't get you anywhere. (The lower small one). You need to turn the top one (acorn) while holding the large nut at the bottom (spring collar) still. If you can't hold that bottom nut (the really big one) with a screwdriver, then you'll need the special third wrench. Many people have done this many times without the third wrench, including me. But when you need it you really need it and there is no substitute. Leathermang found that out the hard way. You can get the spring collar wrench at Performance Products or at a Mercedes dealer.

Rick, I could have been more clear, and should have. sorry. The wrench sitting there is the one I hold stationary while turning the top nut.
I reread what you wrote, and you can feel free to slap me with a trout right in the kisser. I was holding the lock nut, while turning the top one. Of course it wasnt' getting me anywhere, since the big one was turning too... Sometimes I feel so stupid..
Thanks so much.

ImBroke · #10 06-21-2004, 02:33 PM

Rick, you hit it right on the money... I am a valve adjusting fool now,, watch me go!!!!
Thanks, I'll get your drink now.

ImBroke · #11 06-21-2004, 08:10 PM

Here's the latest. Got the valves adjusted. Thanks again Rick. I cracked the 17mm nuts on the top of the injectors, and I'm getting dribbles of fuel out. Is it a low pressure system? If not, mine is acting like one..LOL. I was thinking injectors, but maybe it's the injection pump?? It's getting the occasional sputter,, but nothing major is happening. I'm not giving up yet..

Rick Miley · #12 06-21-2004, 09:11 PM

REPLACE THE PRIMER PUMP! IT IS SUCKING AIR. DON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE PRIMER PUMP!!!

Hatterasguy · #13 06-21-2004, 09:19 PM

Sounds like air in your system, maybe you should replace that pump, like Rick said.

ImBroke · #14 06-22-2004, 03:44 PM

I replaced the primer pump. I am getting hardly anything out of the injector pump, period. I have cracked the nut on top of the big filter, and pumped til all air bubbles were gone, then tightened the bolt back down while still pumping. There shouldn't be any air in at least that portion. If I can get the video out of the camcorder, I can email it to someone and they can check it out. Just a few seconds of cranking and the injector pump.I repeat,,, I replaced the primer pump

ImBroke · #15 06-22-2004, 06:49 PM

Judging by the looks, and the fact that I got sprayed with some juice,, it appears that one of the portions of the pump is working. One down, four to go. All of a sudden it started working,,,, don't know how.
Can you take these things apart and clean them or something?