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Mercedes 300D Suggestions

2231 messages,  Last post on Nov 11, 2009 at 9:21 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz 300-Class, Engine, Fuel System, Diesel, Coupe, Sedan

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#9 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 02, 2002 (2:09 pm)
Yep, the boat owner's insurance footed the bill and the car looks great! Damage was $1,980 on the low bid, so that's a perfect example. I doubt seriously that I would have repaired the car out of my own pocket....maybe....$2,000 is right on the fence, I'd almost be tempted to put that money towards something else.
#10 of 2231 300SD by markkkusa Apr 03, 2002 (10:03 am)
I was on this website helping a friend and I stumbled upon this conversation...   I have an 82 300SD (214K) that has difficulty starting in temperatures below 15 to 20 degrees (which unfortunately is common during Iowa winters). Note - when the block heater is used it will always start no problem.   What I'm trying to figure out is if this problem starting in cold temperatures is normal / expected or if there is some sort of fix. One dealer told me there were different glow plug types and that I might try 'hotter' glow plugs.   After reading through the earlier messages, perhaps 'autojunkyjosh' would like to buy my car. It's very clean and he could get the whole car instead of a replacement engine - and have a lot of spare parts.
#11 of 2231 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 03, 2002 (10:19 am)
Diesels often have trouble starting in cold weather. There are some possible solutions   1. Using a very good anti-gel + conditioning additive to the diesel fuel   2. Replacing the glow plugs and checking the glow plug relay   3. Making sure you have a very strong battery   On my car, I rigged up a direct line from my battery to the #1 glow plug (which is in series with all the others). On very cold days, I would connect the battery directly to #1 glow plug (with an inline fuse installed, 80 amps) and in this way I can leave it "glow" for as long as I need to start the car. Works great. Of course, you MUST remember to disconnect that battery wire once the car has started.   I use a Redline additive, but any truck stop would have equally good additives. Cheap STP stuff in o good, you want something that is not only anti-gel but a "cetane enhancer" and an injection nozzle cleaner. It's not cheap but it really helps a diesel perform better.
#12 of 2231 Mark by lancerfixer Apr 03, 2002 (11:21 am)
Where in IA are you located?
#13 of 2231 Location in IA by markkkusa Apr 04, 2002 (3:19 pm)
Oskaloosa, Iowa.
#14 of 2231 Difficulty with cold weather starts - oil by markkkusa Apr 04, 2002 (3:24 pm)
I know that oil viscosity plays some part in the difficulty with starting in cold temperatures.   I generally use 10-30 in winter months and 20-50 in summer months.   Someone suggested I go to 5-30 in winter since the lower viscosity should help with the starting. But, I have never been comfortable with 5-30 fearing it will break down rapidly - especially in a diesel engine which seems to be so much harder on oil than a gas engime.   Any thoughts on the oil issue?
#15 of 2231 Ah. by lancerfixer Apr 04, 2002 (4:56 pm)
I recently moved to Cedar Rapids...have NO clue where Oskaloosa is...
#16 of 2231 Ah continued... by markkkusa Apr 05, 2002 (7:26 am)
It wasn't long ago that I moved to Oskaloosa. The joke I tell people is...   Do you remember Radar O'Reilly from M*A*S*H ? Radar was the stereotypical small town boy from rural America. He was from Ottumwa.   I now live in a town that Radar would consider small !   (Oskaloosa is about 30 miles Northwest of Ottumwa and about 60 miles Southeast of Des Moines.)
#17 of 2231 Thanks all by autojunkyjosh Apr 05, 2002 (11:07 am)
Mark how much do you want for the 300SD, I am actually looking to buy another Mercedes. My latest find a 86 560SEL. My e-mail is monettajoshua18cs.com. Thanks for everything Mr. Shiftright. I am still open to suggestions.
#18 of 2231 any suggestions/warnings on a 87 300DT with 199K miles by frankiev Apr 15, 2002 (12:14 pm)
Hello everybody. I've enjoyed the discussion. I have an old bronco and a 10 day old son, hence I've been looking for a more family friendly car. I've come across an '87 300 turbo diesel with 199K miles. They say they have all the maintenance records and has had a recent engine overhaul (valves, timing chain, vacuum pump, drive belt, rear main seal)and new brakes. I live in Atlanta, GA so our winters are not that cold. Any recommendations or warnings? Thanks

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