[bowtiewagon]

Hey folks, hope someone can offer me some advise here today.
My 300D is very sluggish. Here is the scenario. When I step on the accelerator she just does not want to go. Slams into gears , feels like she is struggling to shift. Now we have had some cold weather these few days, and maybe that is the issue. I feel it is a trans mission problem. Is there an additive that I can put into the fluid to help her shift easier, and maybe eliminate this sluggish progress?
While driving she starts out pretty good, then I get up to about 30mph and she starts to really drag hard, like it want to die, I keep on the accelerator, but she just does not want to go. I have no idea where I am with this car, as I am not a diesel person.
In a gasoline car, I would figure it to be a vacuum modulator of some sort, would this car have that? Is there a possibility it could be due to the trans fluid not being up to temp? The trans pump sticking maybe? I am lost.
Hope you can help. Thanks ahead.

 

[ichris93]

Hey folks, hope someone can offer me some advise here today.
My 300D is very sluggish. Here is the scenario. When I step on the accelerator she just does not want to go. Slams into gears , feels like she is struggling to shift. Now we have had some cold weather these few days, and maybe that is the issue. I feel it is a trans mission problem. Is there an additive that I can put into the fluid to help her shift easier, and maybe eliminate this sluggish progress?
While driving she starts out pretty good, then I get up to about 30mph and she starts to really drag hard, like it want to die, I keep on the accelerator, but she just does not want to go. I have no idea where I am with this car, as I am not a diesel person.
In a gasoline car, I would figure it to be a vacuum modulator of some sort, would this car have that? Is there a possibility it could be due to the trans fluid not being up to temp? The trans pump sticking maybe? I am lost.
Hope you can help. Thanks ahead.

So you're convinced its a trans problem? Huh?

 

[bowtiewagon]

no not really, just speculating. what would you think it could be.My knowledge of these is very limited.

 

[ichris93]

no not really, just speculating. what would you think it could be.My knowledge of these is very limited.

Well since you are a benzWorld newbie and a diesel n00b, there are somethings I would start with first.

-Adjust valves
-Replace spin on and inline fuel filter
-When the tank is low drain it and check the tank screen
-Is this a turbo? If so check the bonjo bolt for the turbo
-Do you hear any injector nailing or knocking? If so, you might need new nozzles.
-Check transmission fluid at operating temperature with car in park and idling.

 

[klutchdust]

Sounds to me like a lack of fuel. Diesels like clean filters . Is the tach working? What rpm's are you getting?

 

[bowtiewagon]

It is a turbo, 1983 300D

What is a bonjo bolt ?

I do not have a tach .

I will check all that you recommend. Thank you very much for the input. I was given this car from a an old friend who passed from cancer. I appreciate the vehicle, but it seems to be a handful for me. I just want to get it sold but not sink cash into it.
She seems very fickle at times, and I baby her while driving,just with this cold weather, I figured she would act up a bit. Thanks again.

 

[ichris93]

It is a turbo, 1983 300D

What is a bonjo bolt ?

I do not have a tach .

I will check all that you recommend. Thank you very much for the input. I was given this car from a an old friend who passed from cancer. I appreciate the vehicle, but it seems to be a handful for me. I just want to get it sold but not sink cash into it.
She seems very fickle at times, and I baby her while driving,just with this cold weather, I figured she would act up a bit. Thanks again.

Here is a good link for DIY PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

Here is a specific link for banjo bolt
PeachPartsWiki: Banjo Bolt & Fitting

^ it is similar to that but not the same, I don't think. Just search the forum

You are welcome. I am sorry to hear about your friend. Did he maintain the car well?

 

[bowtiewagon]

Here is a good link for DIY PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

Here is a specific link for banjo bolt
PeachPartsWiki: Banjo Bolt & Fitting

^ it is similar to that but not the same, I don't think. Just search the forum

You are welcome. I am sorry to hear about your friend. Did he maintain the car well?

Yes he was only the second owner, and very meticulous about the car. The exterior paint is old and faded, but the interior is very clean, less the driver seat with a small tear on the side. The car had regular maintenance work, and he was up to date with all the tunings.
The car is nice, but not for me. I am more of a hot rodder. He gave me the car before he passed, to help us out a bit.He was like a grand dad to my kids. Good man he was. Anyway, not to be sad about it, he had a good life to 70.
I am just looking to sell the car to help with repairs to my car a 1963 chevy Belair wagon. I just cannot afford to put any money into this, that is why I came here to ask about it before I take it to one of those shops and have to pay through the nose for something that might not be the issue. But from what I am suspecting now from what has been offered here, it may be a fuel filter issue. I will start with that. Then go from there. I thank you again.

 

[ichris93]

Yes he was only the second owner, and very meticulous about the car. The exterior paint is old and faded, but the interior is very clean, less the driver seat with a small tear on the side. The car had regular maintenance work, and he was up to date with all the tunings.
The car is nice, but not for me. I am more of a hot rodder. He gave me the car before he passed, to help us out a bit.He was like a grand dad to my kids. Good man he was. Anyway, not to be sad about it, he had a good life to 70.
I am just looking to sell the car to help with repairs to my car a 1963 chevy Belair wagon. I just cannot afford to put any money into this, that is why I came here to ask about it before I take it to one of those shops and have to pay through the nose for something that might not be the issue. But from what I am suspecting now from what has been offered here, it may be a fuel filter issue. I will start with that. Then go from there. I thank you again.

How many miles are on it? Driver seat tears come with mileage.

Lucky to have had a man like him in your, and your children's, life.

You might be able to find a forum member who can either help you get it running well again, or want to buy it from you. Unfortunately, at least for you, I am in Florida and I am not familiar with any members in Texas.

You're welcome. One other thing worth checking is the air filter. It can be starved of air fuel or liquid fuel.

 

[bowtiewagon]

Odometer seems to be stuck at 195,000 plus. he said it happened around 6 years ago, so I guess it has close to 300,000 or more.
I will also check the air filter. Thanks.

 

[ichris93]

Odometer seems to be stuck at 195,000 plus. he said it happened around 6 years ago, so I guess it has close to 300,000 or more.
I will also check the air filter. Thanks.

Here is also a good site for DIY Mercedes Diesel Maintenance tips

And here is a link for how to fix that pesky ODO if you are feeling adventurous!
How to Repair Your Broken Odometer

 

[fezcabdriver]

Sounds like a fuel issue.
Diesel purge then change the fuel filters.
Might want to look at the throttle linkage bushing near the firewall. That bushing falls apart and changes the angle of the throttle linkage and doesn't allow the driver to accelerate... or something like that.