Re: [diesel_mercedes] 83 300SD Won't Start...more details

 

Obviously, your battery is too far down to jump start.  Pull it, and either:

Take it home and charge it at 10 amps or less, as Nate suggested, (best) or;

Take it to someplace and have it charged up.  AutoZone can charge it up in about an hour, (if it'll take a charge) but, their chargers pump out some heavy juice and that's hard on the battery.

Mercedes of this era typically don't have over-the-top hold downs.  On your car, it's probably at the base of the battery.

Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "CaitlinDean" <tinymachine@gmail.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 10:10:28 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] 83 300SD Won't Start...more details

 

Thanks so much to the folks who've already made some suggestions, I thought it might be useful to share some more details....

1) I do know about the glow plug cycle, and have been diligent with it :)

2) I'm in Santa Fe, NM...hasn't been too cold yet, though on cold mornings she's been starting a little rough, but definitely turning over. She did sit for 2 days (usually drive each day).

3) The starter hasn't sounded sluggish or weakening, but I'm no expert...

4) At first, when I turned the key, I got no sound (I waited for the glow plugs as usual, the warning lights came on, went off like normal, radio came on, lights were in OFF). Tried it a few times, same thing.

5) Called my friend with the 300TD for a jump (he brought his truck, and good quality cables) and still no sound, and no turning over. So the jump didn't work, at least at this point.

6) Battery...reported by previous owner to be fairly new, looks new, looks really clean, no corrosion visible. Though I haven't checked the other cable mentioned. I'll see if I can get pics up.

7) Went back inside, did some online poking, found a few suggestions on mercedessource...

8) Jiggled the ignition, just in case it was a loose connection...

9) Put her in neutral...my mechanic reported "shifter link bushings missing and rigged" (awesome.) So was giving that a shot...

10) and either after 8 or 9, the clicking started after turning the key. I was careful to not leave it turned long, but I did try it a few times and got the same thing (I'm an optimist).

Keep in mind I'm pretty new at this (like utterly and completely)...so I don't even really have tools yet :) And, we had a new roof put in and had to park on the street...so she's a couple of blocks away, and not in my driveway.

Sooooo...there's the long of it. Wondering if maybe I had 2 things wrong...? Or...my starter just up and failed on me?

Wish me luck!

Caitlin in Santa Fe

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : broken cruise control stalk

 

I'm not Nate, but...,

Intermittent operation of the cruise control is nearly always due to bad component-to-circuit board connections in the amplifier box, located behind the front passenger side kick panel.  'Could be a bad switch at the control stalk, BUT, every one I've encountered with this problem was cured with a little soldering work on the amplifier.  Unfortunately, PAP-sourced amplifiers are at least just as likely to have bad solder connections as the one you already have....

Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "Lost but making good time." <aldridgetony97@yahoo.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 6:08:52 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : broken cruise control stalk

 

Nate, (BTW you are a treasure fund of info) what are the chances that the switch on our cruise is faulty? the CC works when it wants, which is pretty occasional. I will be able to go tto a PAP tomorrow in Lost Wages, & was going to get a CC module.
BTW we going south well doing about 4oo miles per day at around 27 or 26 mpg.
Tony.

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[diesel_mercedes] Re: WELCOME CAITLIN !

 

I would suggest getting them from someplace that will provide and honor a lifetime guarantee.  I bought the only set I ever paid for from Sears (Craftsman) some 35-years ago, and between them getting rusty (and therefore, unreadable) from rain/snow water and flat-out breaking them, I'm on my 6th (or 7th) set now.  The Sears people are always happy to swap them out....

Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "BStromsoe" <bstromsoe@yahoo.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 6:30:44 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : WELCOME CAITLIN !

 

Harbor Freight has inexpensive sets of feeler gages. As do most other chain auto parts houses
 
brian from la verne, ca


Ah yes...so I'm learning ;) I got the wrenches in the "Diesel Owner's Welcome kit" on mercedessource, but I don't think feeler gauges came with it, drat.

~Caitlin in Santa Fe



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[diesel_mercedes] Parting out '79 300 TD (Touring, not a turbo)

 

Hey Guys,

I'm parting out a '79 300 wagon.  It was a running, driving car until, about 5 years ago, it suffered oil starvation (the story I got) and trashed the bottom end.  There was an amateur attempt to repair it that resulted in partial disassembly of the engine (radiator and stuff partially removed, engine not opened up, though).  It's relatively rust-free.  It was brought to my shop by the owner who was a friend at the time because he was moving and needed to stash it somewhere during the move.  Thing is, that was 3 years ago, and its still here.  And considering that that friend owes me a couple hundred dollars that I'll never see, I'm going to part out the car and then sell it for scrap.  I hate to do it because it appears to be fairly solid, but it needs an engine and I simply don't have the time for that.  I did entertain the idea of dropping a good engine and (preferrably) a manual gearbox into it, but, as I said, I've already got about 20 projects going on that I don't have time for, so I've got to get this one converted into some cash and out of here.

Of course, I'd love to sell the thing to someone who would use it either for parts or put back on the road.  In that case, I'd like to get $200 for it, which is basically the scrap price, and most of what my friend owes me.  Since its in Madison, AL 35758, and its a '79, there's no title for it.  I'll give a bill of sale.

The car is a dove gray over dark gray interior.  The interior is a bit sun-baked, but  not that bad.

Let me know what you want.  I'd like to send what's left of it to the metal recyclers in about a month.

Regards,
Ben Pender
Klassic Autos
Vintage European Auto service, repair, and parts
Madison, AL
256-489-9560

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] broken cruise control stalk

 

New ones are available and inexpensive.
 
Tom Hanson
Mercedes Benz Classic Center USA
MBUSA, LLC
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
949 598-4842 direct
949 598-4870 fax
From: Lawrence Rhodes <primobassoon@sbcglobal.net>
To: "diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2011 11:11 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] broken cruise control stalk

 
We just got a wagon and noticed the cruise control stalk laying in the door
tray.  It is splined with a u shaped end which means a small bolt went through
it.  Is it hard to get the remnant out and a new stalk in?  I suspect someone
not knowing what it was thought their turn signal was not working and just
pressed harder.  Lawrence Rhodes.....



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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : WELCOME CAITLIN !

 

Harbor Freight has inexpensive sets of feeler gages. As do most other chain auto parts houses
 
brian from la verne, ca


Ah yes...so I'm learning ;) I got the wrenches in the "Diesel Owner's Welcome kit" on mercedessource, but I don't think feeler gauges came with it, drat.

~Caitlin in Santa Fe



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[diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : broken cruise control stalk

 

Nate, (BTW you are a treasure fund of info) what are the chances that the switch on our cruise is faulty? the CC works when it wants, which is pretty occasional. I will be able to go tto a PAP tomorrow in Lost Wages, & was going to get a CC module.
BTW we going south well doing about 4oo miles per day at around 27 or 26 mpg.
Tony.

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "Nate" <vwnate1@...> wrote:
>
>
> IIRC ;
>
> The upper mast jacket enclosure is a ' clamshell ' design so it's fairly simple to remove the screws & take it apart , thence unscrew & remove the switch .
>
> -Nate
> Lawrence wrote:
> >
> > We just got a wagon and noticed the cruise control stalk laying in the door
> > tray.  It is splined with a u shaped end which means a small bolt went through
> > it.  Is it hard to get the remnant out and a new stalk in?  I suspect someone
> > not knowing what it was thought their turn signal was not working and just
> > pressed harder.  Lawrence Rhodes.....
> >
>

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[diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : WELCOME CAITLIN !

 



--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "Nate" <vwnate1@...> wrote:
>
>
> You have a great automobile there .

Thanks for sayin so, Nate :) I'm rather fond of her, even though I know she's gonna put me through my paces and challenge the heck out of me!

>
> I see everyone else has jumped in so I'll just mention it's _critical_ (IMO anyways) to put a NAPA/WIX # 3001 fuel filter in the return line of your Diesel Purge kit , this will catch the grunge that'll come flying out so it cannot get sucked back in again .
>
> I use clear plastic hose (aquarium hose IIRC) and a gallon glass jar so I can SEE what's going on as it cleans .
>
> Remember to vary the engine speeds a LOT or the IP's rack won't be fully cleaned .

Great tips! Thanks!

> A valve adjust too ! .
> *VERY* important .

Ah yes...so I'm learning ;) I got the wrenches in the "Diesel Owner's Welcome kit" on mercedessource, but I don't think feeler gauges came with it, drat.

~Caitlin in Santa Fe

> -Nate
> Caitlin wrote:
> >
> > Hi there,
> >
> > I joined a few weeks ago right after picking up my (first) mercedes. She's a 1983 300SD, white with dark brown interior (though the p.o. put in blue seats). She's got about 223k on her and a busted odometer. I've named her "Betty White"...seemed to fit somehow.
> >
> > She's fairly solid mechanically, but I have my work cut out for me as I'm eager and interested, but totally "new" to the world of repair and even maintenance. You all seem like a helpful and knowledgeable bunch, and I've enjoyed reading up while lurking :) I hope you won't mind sharing your collective wisdom with an enthusiastic beginner.
> >
> > I thought I'd start with some simple stuff, and I've already been thwarted. My plan for phase 1 was:
> >
> > 1) diesel purge
> > 2) fuel filters
> > 3) coolant flush n fill
> > 4) oil change
> >
> > Went to do the diesel purge as per the instructions in the mercedessource kit, and the fuel line section that you re-route so as not to spill fuel all over god's country was "newer" and too short. So I've got some biofuel rated fuel line coming, just gonna start with replacing that section (my friend has a new biofuel company here, so I'd like to carefully experiment with B100 and blends)
> >
> > Thought I'd check the air filter while I had the hood up, and I couldn't get the dang top off...what am I missing? I removed the wingnut and bolt and 4 clips....and could not lift that lid.
> >
> > Coolant flush and fill (my new mechanic, also a 300SD owner, strongly recommended that asap) is getting more pressing as our temps are dropping. I've got Zerex ready to go, and I bought one of those $4 "kits" (mostly for the instructions on the back) but now I realize they want you to cut on of your lines and leave their plastic piece installed all the time. Doesn't that restrict the flow? Or would it be fine? How else would I do it? Any video or photo instructions?
> >
> > There's plenty of info on the internet, but I want to get my hands on at least one manual to start (actual book or DVD based, no matter)....what would you all recommend to start with?
> >
> >
> > Thanks folks! Happy weekend!
> > Caitlin (and Betty White)
> >
>

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[diesel_mercedes] Re: 83 300SD Won't Start...solved?

 

Occam's Razor....even more evidence points to the battery being drained...

I don't think my friend knew how to jump properly, after looking online (yes, I really am starting at the beginning...now I know how to jump a car) I realized that he connected the negative cable to my battery instead of grounding it. I'll leave it to y'all to tell me how (or if) bad that is ;)

Today I had another friend come to try again. Well the good news is my battery is so dead, I didn't even get indicator lights (or headlights, etc). So needless to say, a 15min charge, even with revving the engine wasn't enough. Didn't even light up the indicators.

After poking around some mercedessource videos (trying to make myself feel better and get pumped for my first wave of DIY repairs) I found one about "persistent battery drains" and something clicked.

When I picked up the car, the rear dome wouldn't go out, so i unplugged it. Yesterday, while trying to start the car, my gal noticed that the rear passenger foot light (whatchacallit?) in the door didn't seem to go off....don't know how long it's been like that (since i yanked the dome?) oy.

So. Immediate problem is battery...then I'll go chasing the gremlin. I don't know how to slow charge my car, it's on the street a couple of blocks away (i dont know those neighbors). Time for a new battery?

I'm assuming it's pretty darn easy to replace?

Bosch? Or Optima? Do the Optimas fit? Seem to recall hearing something about them being a little big, but fitting with modification?

Also...on my mechanics report he wrote that the battery is not secured...is there some sort of bracket over the top that's missing? Where do I start with that one?

Anyway...now I have a treasure trove of info! Thanks to everyone with all these great suggestions.

Hope I'm on the right path now....

Caitlin in Santa Fe

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "CaitlinDean" <tinymachine@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks so much to the folks who've already made some suggestions, I thought it might be useful to share some more details....
>
> 1) I do know about the glow plug cycle, and have been diligent with it :)
>
> 2) I'm in Santa Fe, NM...hasn't been too cold yet, though on cold mornings she's been starting a little rough, but definitely turning over. She did sit for 2 days (usually drive each day).
>
> 3) The starter hasn't sounded sluggish or weakening, but I'm no expert...
>
> 4) At first, when I turned the key, I got no sound (I waited for the glow plugs as usual, the warning lights came on, went off like normal, radio came on, lights were in OFF). Tried it a few times, same thing.
>
> 5) Called my friend with the 300TD for a jump (he brought his truck, and good quality cables) and still no sound, and no turning over. So the jump didn't work, at least at this point.
>
> 6) Battery...reported by previous owner to be fairly new, looks new, looks really clean, no corrosion visible. Though I haven't checked the other cable mentioned. I'll see if I can get pics up.
>
> 7) Went back inside, did some online poking, found a few suggestions on mercedessource...
>
> 8) Jiggled the ignition, just in case it was a loose connection...
>
> 9) Put her in neutral...my mechanic reported "shifter link bushings missing and rigged" (awesome.) So was giving that a shot...
>
> 10) and either after 8 or 9, the clicking started after turning the key. I was careful to not leave it turned long, but I did try it a few times and got the same thing (I'm an optimist).
>
>
> Keep in mind I'm pretty new at this (like utterly and completely)...so I don't even really have tools yet :) And, we had a new roof put in and had to park on the street...so she's a couple of blocks away, and not in my driveway.
>
> Sooooo...there's the long of it. Wondering if maybe I had 2 things wrong...? Or...my starter just up and failed on me?
>
> Wish me luck!
>
> Caitlin in Santa Fe
>
>
> --- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, Bogy Wan Kenobi <polespearbogy@> wrote:
> >
> > CD:
> >
> > You might want to check your battery terminals and cables. When jiggling wires makes a difference like that then dirt or corrosion etc. is indicated. There is a lot to be said for clean connections when you draw nearly 1000 amps during starting. And there is a heavy cable from the chassis to the engine down by the starter. Check that out too and clean every contact surface until they shine.
> >
> > Bogy.
> >
> > --- On Sun, 10/30/11, CaitlinDean <tinymachine@> wrote:
> > <SNIPPAGE>
> >   I jiggled the ignition a little, I tried starting in neutral, and now it just clicks rapidly when I turn the key ... though it didn't even do that before the jiggling.
> >
>

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[diesel_mercedes] Re: Re : WELCOME CAITLIN !

 

Thanks Trish :)

I've been reading about your engine woes :( I think I joined right before that happened...so sorry that happened!

And this is VERY good to know about the flush kit, I'd already decided to return it, and your story is the nail in the coffin (on halloween.)

~Caitlin in Santa Fe

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Caitlin (and Betty White)
>
> Welcome to the group. I just joined too. I finally bought my '81 300D in
> Sept. I'm dead on the sidelines now since I threw a rod. Found out
> *someone*not me! smashed into something hard enough to put a crease
> across the oil
> pan, thus causing a leak at the drain plug! Sigh.
>
> Anyhow, you asked: > Coolant flush and fill (my new mechanic, also a 300SD
> owner, strongly recommended that asap) is getting more pressing as our
> temps are dropping. I've got Zerex ready to go, and I bought one of those
> $4 "kits" (mostly for the instructions on the back) but now I realize they
> want you to cut on of your lines and leave their plastic piece installed
> all the time. Doesn't that restrict the flow? Or would it be fine? How else
> would I do it? Any video or photo instructions?
>
> I know from past, painful, expensive experience that is a BAD, BAD, BAD way
> to go. It was sweltering hot that July day here in TX. We were headed
> uphill, just a few miles from home when that stupid cap from the kit blew
> off. By the time we were able to get off the freeway the engine was shot.
> Then began the nightmare of getting a motor. Ugh. The truck was never the
> same again.
>
> .
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Trish Dougherty
> PurrFect Harmony Farm
> Ennis, TX
> http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com
>

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] 83 300SD Won't Start...more details

 

Did you tap the starter with a plastic hammer?
 

From: CaitlinDean <tinymachine@gmail.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 12:10 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] 83 300SD Won't Start...more details

 
Thanks so much to the folks who've already made some suggestions, I thought it might be useful to share some more details....

1) I do know about the glow plug cycle, and have been diligent with it :)

2) I'm in Santa Fe, NM...hasn't been too cold yet, though on cold mornings she's been starting a little rough, but definitely turning over. She did sit for 2 days (usually drive each day).

3) The starter hasn't sounded sluggish or weakening, but I'm no expert...

4) At first, when I turned the key, I got no sound (I waited for the glow plugs as usual, the warning lights came on, went off like normal, radio came on, lights were in OFF). Tried it a few times, same thing.

5) Called my friend with the 300TD for a jump (he brought his truck, and good quality cables) and still no sound, and no turning over. So the jump didn't work, at least at this point.

6) Battery...reported by previous owner to be fairly new, looks new, looks really clean, no corrosion visible. Though I haven't checked the other cable mentioned. I'll see if I can get pics up.

7) Went back inside, did some online poking, found a few suggestions on mercedessource...

8) Jiggled the ignition, just in case it was a loose connection...

9) Put her in neutral...my mechanic reported "shifter link bushings missing and rigged" (awesome.) So was giving that a shot...

10) and either after 8 or 9, the clicking started after turning the key. I was careful to not leave it turned long, but I did try it a few times and got the same thing (I'm an optimist).

Keep in mind I'm pretty new at this (like utterly and completely)...so I don't even really have tools yet :) And, we had a new roof put in and had to park on the street...so she's a couple of blocks away, and not in my driveway.

Sooooo...there's the long of it. Wondering if maybe I had 2 things wrong...? Or...my starter just up and failed on me?

Wish me luck!

Caitlin in Santa Fe

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, Bogy Wan Kenobi <polespearbogy@...> wrote:
>
> CD:
>
> You might want to check your battery terminals and cables. When jiggling wires makes a difference like that then dirt or corrosion etc. is indicated. There is a lot to be said for clean connections when you draw nearly 1000 amps during starting. And there is a heavy cable from the chassis to the engine down by the starter. Check that out too and clean every contact surface until they shine.
>
> Bogy.
>
> --- On Sun, 10/30/11, CaitlinDean <tinymachine@...> wrote:
> <SNIPPAGE>
>   I jiggled the ignition a little, I tried starting in neutral, and now it just clicks rapidly when I turn the key ... though it didn't even do that before the jiggling.
>



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