Congratulations on your new purchase, and welcome to the group!
A normally aspirated 300D is no fireball; never was. But, there are things you can check to extract the most power that you can out of it. First, as has been suggested, check the valve lash (clearances). Then, check the accelerator linkage ("throttle" linkage on gasoline-powered cars) to insure it is allowing full operation of the injection pump (IP). A treatment of Diesel Purge is definitely a good idea. It's available at Diesel Giant:
http://www.dieselgiant.com/fueldeliveryanddieselinjectionrelated.htm#Basic%20Diesel%20Purge%20Kit
Be sure to follow the instructions EXACTLY, or it simply won't work.
Most likely, your car has the 722.1 transmission, a four-speed automatic. On the non-turbo cars, these normally start out in second gear. For a quicker take-off, you can get it into first gear by either flooring it, thereby clicking the kick-down switch under the accelerator pedal, or by moving the shift lever to the "L" position. You can do this at a stop, then move it back to "D" before taking off, and the transmission will start out in first gear.
You didn't say where you are. I'm in the Denver, CO, area, and had a '77 300D. Horsepower at this altitude dropped from 80 (at sea level) to 67. The car would just keep up with traffic, even when starting out in second gear. Once under way, it would hold speed pretty well, even when going up I-70, where the altitude increased and the available power further decreased.
Cruise control problems are most commonly caused by bad electrical connections in the control box, which is located behind the kick panel in the passenger side footwell. If you, or someone you know, has experience doing electrical soldering, touching up each connection on the circuit board will put it right. Or, there are places you can send the box to and have this done, for a fee, of course.
If your car has the earlier style cruise control, another point of failure is where the operating cable attaches to the accelerator linkage. There should be a little white plastic doughnut, just like the one used on the fast idle knob cable. Over time, they dry out and disintegrate.
The Haynes manual is pretty good. The electrical diagrams in the back of the book can be a challenge to follow. Better to get the factory manual, available on CDs. You'll need Adobe version 6, and NOT a newer version, to open the files
Where are these loose electrical wires under the hood? These cars are very simple, electrically (outside of the climate control system), so, I would think if anything was not connected, something, like the horns, wipers, etc., would not be working.
Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "patricia_dougherty" <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 8:31:12 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] FINALLY got my 300D, now many questions
I've wanted a MB since the mid '80's, been really researching for about 6yrs. Last Monday I FINALLY got my '81 300D. Wanted a turbo, but needed transportation and found this one owner with only 273,000 miles for under $2K!
1. The book says to turn the idle switch counter clock wise till it stops, wait for glow plug light to go out then start the car. When do I turn the idle switch back? Do I do that EVERY time I start the car?
2. When I put the car in reverse it shudders like crazy, why? Hubby thinks the idle needs to be turned up. He also thinks the idle switch isn't working right.
3. Does anyone have a diagram for wires? I have to order the Haynes book. There are wires under the hood that no one knows where they go
4. Anyone know anything about cruise control? Mine does not work.
5. I have to floor it to get anywhere, is that normal? Sure does put my foot to sleep to have to continually mash on the accelerator.
6. I was told I can convert this to a turbo and it's easy. Will it honk up my car? Should I do this or just keep looking for a factory turbo?
7. Want to convert this to a "grease car" using the Love Craft Bio Fuel conversion. Anyone familiar with that?
Thanks for any answers.
Trish
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