SUBMITTED NOV 19, 2007
I bought my 1985 300D back in 2004 and it has been a good, reliable daily driver. I put her in storage from Jan-Oct 2007 while I was in Alaska (on an island). Since my return, I have made a 2200 mile move and have been plagued with problems. I did put fuel stabilizer in the tank before I left, it was only 1/4 full.
1. Loss of power on highway? Fuel filter/injectors?
Brief History: Car historically ran 75-80mph highway with no problems. Upon my return and a fine start, 176 miles into trip noticed a feeling of 'bogging down' like running thru mud. Could not get above 63mph, no matter what.
Added diesel kleaner/octane booster. Ran better 200 miles. Problem re-occurred every 200-300 miles, kept adding fresh fuel booster. Top speed increased to about 70mph, but could not get any more speed to pass, and pulling mountains meant slowing down to 50mph.
2. Brake pedal became very hard? Air in lines? Booster out?
Brief History: Brakes were good until coming down from an altitude of about 10K feet coming into Alburquerie, NM. Made quick decent for about 5 miles. When I came into town, I noticed that it took all my force to stop this baby. Brake fluid level has not changed, it is full in the master cylinder.
3. Won't shut off?
Since the sudden change of altitude, car has to be shut off using switch in engine compartment. Granted, I always had to give her a little rev to create the vacuum to shut off, but that does not work now. Never a problem in the 3 years I have driven her.
4. Won't start? Fuel filters or injector and/or fuel pump?
History: Made the 2200 mile trip, started great. Made a short 20 min trip across town yesterday at speed of 25-35 mph. Car would not start. Repeated the glow plug wait/crank a dozen times with no results. Waited 2 hours and tried again. Car cranked up and started briefly (5-10 seconds) ran rough and died. Decided it was time to call in an expert.
I need your help because I am new to Lake Havasu City, AZ. I don't have a trusted mechanic here like I had in Louisiana. I do some minor maintance myself, but would like some input and general ideas on what to expect so I can have a good dialogue with my new mechanic (I am looking for one as I write).
Any suggestions/ideas you have would be greatly appreciated. I have gone thru the help forum and read all I could find related to the subject.
Zoe