Diesel Engine Specific Aid

79 300td will not start

I just bought a used 1979 300td Wagon which started up great when I test drove and picked it up. The next morning it would not start but it does crank and lets noticeable smoke out of the tailpipe. The overnight temperature was about 10C, I plugged in the block heater for a few hours before my second attempt and still no luck. The battery has strong charge, the glow light comes on and the glow plugs were just serviced. I know the vales need are in need of an adjustment. Could someone tell me if it is compression related and suggest some trouble shooting and advice??? Thanks.

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Pre Combustion Chamber Leak

-I have a 90 300d 2.5 turbo. The number 2 cylinder pre chamber is leaking compression by it. I can see it comeing out the top of around the prechamber special nut on the out side of it where theres that lil gap. -Has any body had this happen and how did u fix it? -I see i need a special tool to get the top nut out, is there other special tools i will need? -What kind of damage may have this caused to the cylinder head? Jerritt

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Questions and Answers

Chassis Model Number

W124

Severe engine shake at idle

I had some work done recently (installed the Monark injector tips and the radiator hose with the electric heater element in it) as well as some front end work (ball joint, etc.) All of a sudden I'm getting the shake, shake, shake, shake your booty from the engine at idle. It runs great and the shake is more pronounced when cold. Never had it before it went into the shop (bet you never heard that Kent!) So, tips anyone? Engine shocks? TIA Ben

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

240D dancing oil cap

Kent, Hope all is well. Ran the purge and installed the new Monark injector tips and boy what an improvement! As is always the case, fix one thing and find another... Got your Diesel performance book (with the tips order), went thru the various tests and find a moderately dancing oil cap. Being a noob now hindsight is 20/20 but my question is this - assuming I need to do an overhaul, what is the typical needed parts list, cost for same and "ballpark" labor charge for doing an overhaul. Before I had it shipped from CA I had a Mercedes mechanic replace the timing chain, now the new injector tips and really the car is running fine. So, do I tolerate it and just live with it and wait for the inevitable or be proactive? What actions can I do to reduce blow-by in the interim?

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Changed motor and transmission mounts (Much less vibration!), but clunks when downshifting.

Purchased a new to me '82 300D Turbo diesel with 99K miles. Somebody really loved this car. It's very much like new. However, soon after I purchased the car, I noticed a great deal of vibration coming through the steering wheel and some in the seat of the pants. Changed out the two front motor mounts. Passenger side was collapsed, despite looking "ok" from the fender. Driver side was mush as the primer pump leaked on it and destroyed the rubber. The rear transmission mount was changed. Oddly enough, the wrong transmission mount was previously installed.

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

diesel oil requirements in the 1980s

hey guys received my manuals the other day. well written and helpful. i guess i got lucky with my 240d buying it with limited MB knowledge. i do have a question as to what types of oil was mercedes requireing for oil changed in the early 1980s. my owners manual states that the car had regular maintanece (it shows 73k on the odometer but is has quit working) the oil changes were performed with castrol 20w 50 not exactly a diesel motor oil. these were done at authorized service ceneters . was this the best choice for oil back then? could this be the reason i have a lot of crank case pressure on an engine with less than 100k?

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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