W123

240D performance

My '77 240D with 125K miles hits a top speed on a flat Kansas highway with no wind of about 57 MPH. With a tailwind, I can get a hair past 60. Don't even ask about driving into a headwind or up a hill -- maybe 50 MPH. I know the reputation of a 240D, but I can't help but think I can get better performance than this. I have replaced the fuel filters, adjusted the valves, and run two bottles of diesel purge through the engine. The compression is good (front-to-back 305,405,375,405 psi).

Chassis Model Number

W123

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

1981 300D fuel reserve

I will be replacing my fuel tank screen whenever I get time and have arranged for there being as little diesel as possible left in the tank. I've never refueled for more the 16 gallons, so I don't know how much of the 80-liter (21.1 gallon) capacity is usable. Of course, I want to drain as little as possible. Also would be great to not run out of diesel pursuing that goal. I have no idea if my low fuel light works. So, my questions are: how much diesel is usable in the 1981 300D non-turbo? And when should the low fuel light come on if it works? Thanks, Doug

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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Chassis Model Number

W123

300D gasping for power on long hill

Hi all, Thanks in large part to Mercedes Source, I have a 1981 300D that runs quite well. Really no running problems except on one hill in my normal commute. The car starts to 'stutter' about half way up this 1+ mile incline. Like it's starving for diesel (I've replaced pre-filter and FM100 canister) or has an air leak at high load. I've tightened all the hoses. BUT, this all really started sometime after I ran B99 for 4 or 5 tanks this summer. Prior to that, the car would actually accelerate somewhat up the hill in question. I do have Viton return lines and the special lines supplied with the FM100 Stanadyne filter. My next suspects are connections/hoses (again) and tank strainer (which I have not touched yet).

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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Chassis Model Number

W123

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