W126

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

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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

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

1984 300sd flashing lights while cranking

My wife's venerable 368K mile 1984 300sd decided not to start and left her stranded. It cranks slowly but will not start and the dash lights flash while it cranks. Followed the normal systematic diagnostic approach; the battery was 5 years old, it was replaced with new,replaced the glow plug relay fuse and it has 12v power, the number 13 fuse was blown, replaced it, replaced the voltage regulator, wiggled and manipulated the shifter to see if it was the neutral safety switch, checked and rechecked all connections make sure they were tight and connected.

Chassis Model Number

W126

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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