1981 MB 300TD Turbo
 

I have found a 1981 MB 300TD Turbo to purchase, but when test driving it appeared the Turbo was not working. When accelerating there was hesitation and the oil pressure would peg then the vehicle would gradually gain speed. The seller wanted to make sure I was not knowledgeable about Turbo Diesels and proceeded to tell me all is fine. I guess my question is whether this is symptomatic of a bad turbo. and secondly how pricey is it to fix if I Do it myself? I used info from one of the posts to look at the mauals for the vehicle and have requested that he verify the engine and chassis number. Any help would be appreciated. In search of a vehicle to run on waste vegetable oil.

Thanks,

For the needle to peg is normal. (we would freak if it didn't peg)
You should've noticed extra acceleration around 2k rpm - that is when the turbo starts to do its thing.
You might want to post addtl. questions in the diesel forum.

It's symptomatic of bad fuel filters and/or a leaned out IP that requires an ALDA adjustment. Also could be a tank strainer, gunk in the system or whatnot.

It could also be starving for air with the intake manifold being plugged up with soot.

Blah, blah....S-E-A-R-C-H! You'll find your answer, I guarantee it. ;)

It calls into question your own knowledge and experience with turbodiesels. Is this your first foray into MB Diesels or are you an old hand?

Did you check the line from the manifold to the switchover valve to the ALDA? Don't tip your hand too soon. You could turn the tables on him if he's pulling the wool over your eyes and have a fine running TD for a song and a few minutes of cleaning.

A rule of thumb for an 81 TD is 17 seconds 0-60 mph time. Probably best done with the seller behind the wheel and you timing. If it's closer to 20 seconds, take everything else he says with a grain of salt.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

First foray!
 

I need to go back and do as you suggest! Thanks for all the info and I have used the search and found much more info.