W126

'85 300SD Lifeless and won't turn over

Wow! Times like these I feel really alone in rural N.W. Indiana!! I went to change the radio (cassette) to a more modern am/fm/cd Blaupunkt Saturday night. Speaker wires were the hangup and I was told I need a floating ground adapter...? I thought each speaker had both wires coming to the radio and I could connect them as such to each corresponding lead from the new radio. The "experts" said I'd fry the radio and wanted to sell me this "floating ground adapter" for $40. I didn't buy it...I re-installed the former Becker original and had to re-splice the brown ground wire as I was all set to splice and connect ASAP.

Chassis Model Number

W126

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

1983 300 SD Vacuum Problem

Had minor vacuum problems (power locks don't work) but lately, trans shifting is slow. When engine is warm and reversing from parking, I need to rev the engine a bit before it shifts into Drive. Also, it takes a little longer to shift from 3rd to 4th with motor revving a little higher and a little longer.

I went to Kent's "Diesel Vacuum Source Troubleshooting and Repair" booklet and here's what I found. The booklet suggests the vacuum to the Injection Pump Shut Off Valve be tested. My car does not have one of those!

Chassis Model Number

W126

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

'85 300SD emergency manual start

Without warning, no glow plug light in the dash and glow plug relay under hood clicks on then off immediately. (Chicago) I use the block heater overnight so morning starts are a given, but after teaching all day, afternoon starts, it seems the glow plugs sort of work still if I wait 15 seconds, but startup idle is a bit rough and a little black smoke puffs out where before there was none. The engine was factory replaced before I got it and has about 40K miles on it. QUESTION: For emergency starting until I can get the replacement parts for repair, can I run a wire from the battery terminal to the # 1 glow plug top, hold it there for 10 seconds, and then go start the engine? (maybe 12 sec. if in lower teens outside temp).?? TIA in advance for your most valued advice to everyone.

Chassis Model Number

W126

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Pages