Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Harry, I like it! Thanks for the idea. I don't think I'll need to use that now but will file it away for the future. Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of harry watkins Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 11:32 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD Max, when one of my SDLs had the dead bug problem I added a second clear filter. I teed in a parallel second filter and pinched it shut with a pair of padded vice grips. When the engine started to lose power, I just released the vice grip and went on my way. Cleaned both filters at my leisure and reinstalled. It took about 18 months for it clean itself up. Harry - Original Message - From: Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC,53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 7:10 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD Dieselvolk, Third episode yesterday a.m. on the way to work. Same pattern: about 5 gallons left in the tank, cold morning (cold for the Low Country, that is, which is about 50 degrees). I have two new clear in-line filters and one new main filter in the car (Thanks Gary!) so I decided to see if I could make it to the parking lot at work, so I could change the in-line filter during my lunch break. I was able to drive about 5 miles and got within about 4 blocks before the engine died and would not restart. Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, probably dead fungus/mold from the tank because I administered a dose of biocide about two months ago. Once the air was purged, car ran like a top again. I'm still planning to change the tank strainer, just need to get my new E300 on the road first. More on that front in another email... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Dieselvolk, Third episode yesterday a.m. on the way to work. Same pattern: about 5 gallons left in the tank, cold morning (cold for the Low Country, that is, which is about 50 degrees). I have two new clear in-line filters and one new main filter in the car (Thanks Gary!) so I decided to see if I could make it to the parking lot at work, so I could change the in-line filter during my lunch break. I was able to drive about 5 miles and got within about 4 blocks before the engine died and would not restart. Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, probably dead fungus/mold from the tank because I administered a dose of biocide about two months ago. Once the air was purged, car ran like a top again. I'm still planning to change the tank strainer, just need to get my new E300 on the road first. More on that front in another email... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 wrote: Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, Oooh, sounds like when I was replacing inlines every 15 miles in the 300SD. The tank can hold a lot more bacteria than the inline filter can. Drain fuel, remove tank, scrub tank, reinstall. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Mitch, I'm hoping that won't be the case. Car was rarely used for about one year, and had a very nearly full tank the whole time. It had been dosed with biocide by me at some point in the year or two before the long period of little use, and I didn't have this problem before, so I hope the bloom was not too large. Hope is not a good plan so I am prepared to clean the tank if needed. If this new filter plugs up pretty quickly, that'll be a good sign that Hope and Change my in-line filters was not enough If I do go that route, I think I'm going to try to clean the tank in-situ. I think that spraying water or some other cleaner from the gauge opening and the fill neck and the strainer opening will provide enough reach to get the sediment moving and flowing out the strainer hole, and then heating the tank for a few hours with a heat lamp or two will remove the water. Maybe a hairdryer blowing into the tank as well to keep the air moving around inside. I remember reading about someone who used this method successfully, so I'm going to give that a shot. Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Mitch Haley Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:43 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 wrote: Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, Oooh, sounds like when I was replacing inlines every 15 miles in the 300SD. The tank can hold a lot more bacteria than the inline filter can. Drain fuel, remove tank, scrub tank, reinstall. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 wrote: If I do go that route, I think I'm going to try to clean the tank in-situ. Mine was a horrible mess, probably caused by trying to run the car on straight Chinese restaurant soy. I got a 20' vinyl hose and an electric pump. I already had a TP filter. Pumped it from the fuel supply line through the filter and back down the filler neck. Plugged the strainer that way. Pumped it from the filler neck through the fuel line to reverse flow the in tank strainer, which gave better results but the crap kept settling into the tank, so I'd periodically shake the car which would make the sheets of slime go up the hose. In a few days of messing with it I probably got rid of 3/4 of the crap. Removing the strainer and flushing with water probably would have worked better, but then I'd have a damp tank in a car I'm not driving. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
will remove the water. Maybe a hairdryer blowing into the tank as well to keep the air moving around inside. The hairdrier should work well. Warm air moving around takes moisture with it. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Hi Max, You wrote planning to change the tank strainer If it's like the one in my 78 240D W123 you should be able to clean it easily. They are quite robust and easy to clean. I bought a new one without knowing how they are made - I think it was around $20 but that's pushing my memory back about 15 years. Never reliable. ;-) But it was in the $teens. Good luck! That's not a fun job - once the light comes on you'll have !2.5 Gal. left. LarryT 91 300D OilAnalysis Time? Looking for Weber Parts or Porsche Posters? www.youroil.net -- From: Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC,53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:10 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD Dieselvolk, Third episode yesterday a.m. on the way to work. Same pattern: about 5 gallons left in the tank, cold morning (cold for the Low Country, that is, which is about 50 degrees). I have two new clear in-line filters and one new main filter in the car (Thanks Gary!) so I decided to see if I could make it to the parking lot at work, so I could change the in-line filter during my lunch break. I was able to drive about 5 miles and got within about 4 blocks before the engine died and would not restart. Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, probably dead fungus/mold from the tank because I administered a dose of biocide about two months ago. Once the air was purged, car ran like a top again. I'm still planning to change the tank strainer, just need to get my new E300 on the road first. More on that front in another email... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Max, when one of my SDLs had the dead bug problem I added a second clear filter. I teed in a parallel second filter and pinched it shut with a pair of padded vice grips. When the engine started to lose power, I just released the vice grip and went on my way. Cleaned both filters at my leisure and reinstalled. It took about 18 months for it clean itself up. Harry - Original Message - From: Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC,53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 7:10 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD Dieselvolk, Third episode yesterday a.m. on the way to work. Same pattern: about 5 gallons left in the tank, cold morning (cold for the Low Country, that is, which is about 50 degrees). I have two new clear in-line filters and one new main filter in the car (Thanks Gary!) so I decided to see if I could make it to the parking lot at work, so I could change the in-line filter during my lunch break. I was able to drive about 5 miles and got within about 4 blocks before the engine died and would not restart. Took me about 10 minutes on the side of the road, in a light rain, to replace the in-line filter. Old filter was really plugged up with junk, probably dead fungus/mold from the tank because I administered a dose of biocide about two months ago. Once the air was purged, car ran like a top again. I'm still planning to change the tank strainer, just need to get my new E300 on the road first. More on that front in another email... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Most likely, drawing air, but not leaking fuel (much) on the hose at the tank to the tubing, or the hose between the steel line and the prefilter. Also possible that the steel line is rusted through enough to draw air, but not enough to leak. BTDT for all those places. All cheap to fix. I had a trip to VA in the 300D a litle over a year ago, where it always petered out going uphill. Changed some hoses in VA, and got home with no prob. On 11/4/09 11:04 AM, Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 wrote: Dieselvolk, Well it happened again on my way to work this a.m., repeat of episode a few weeks ago. On my way to work with about 3/4 tank, outside temps around 55 deg F, and right after I passed the last off-ramp before a very steep bridge crossing, my baby started losing steam. My choices were to stop on the side of the road and call for help, and risk being very late for work, or try to limp over the bridge which has a VERY narrow emergency lane in heavy traffic. I decided to make a run at getting over the bridge and got lucky, my speed had dropped to about 30 mph at the top, at the next off-ramp I pulled into a station and refueled. I shut off and popped the hood and looked at the clear in-line filter; it was nearly empty but had some foam and bubbling action going on. Fuel was being sucked into the filter from the injection pump. I figured a plugged tank vent so I opened the fuel cap, but no whoosh at all. Filled the tank and started the car and took another look at the clear filter, and it was almost empty of fuel again. Low engine power condition was solved however, so I drove to work with no problem. So, I suspect that there is a vacuum forming inside the clear filter either because that filter is plugged or the tank screen is plugged. I'll be changing one or both shortly... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- 87 300SDL, 87 300D, 81 240D, 200D ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
Dieselvolk, Well it happened again on my way to work this a.m., repeat of episode a few weeks ago. On my way to work with about 3/4 tank, outside temps around 55 deg F, and right after I passed the last off-ramp before a very steep bridge crossing, my baby started losing steam. My choices were to stop on the side of the road and call for help, and risk being very late for work, or try to limp over the bridge which has a VERY narrow emergency lane in heavy traffic. I decided to make a run at getting over the bridge and got lucky, my speed had dropped to about 30 mph at the top, at the next off-ramp I pulled into a station and refueled. I shut off and popped the hood and looked at the clear in-line filter; it was nearly empty but had some foam and bubbling action going on. Fuel was being sucked into the filter from the injection pump. I figured a plugged tank vent so I opened the fuel cap, but no whoosh at all. Filled the tank and started the car and took another look at the clear filter, and it was almost empty of fuel again. Low engine power condition was solved however, so I drove to work with no problem. So, I suspect that there is a vacuum forming inside the clear filter either because that filter is plugged or the tank screen is plugged. I'll be changing one or both shortly... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
I had nearly identical symptoms with mine. Check the tank screen - mine was completely coated with a brittle and impenetrable layer of 25 year old diesel lacquer! On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM, Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil wrote: Dieselvolk, Well it happened again on my way to work this a.m., repeat of episode a few weeks ago. On my way to work with about 3/4 tank, outside temps around 55 deg F, and right after I passed the last off-ramp before a very steep bridge crossing, my baby started losing steam. My choices were to stop on the side of the road and call for help, and risk being very late for work, or try to limp over the bridge which has a VERY narrow emergency lane in heavy traffic. I decided to make a run at getting over the bridge and got lucky, my speed had dropped to about 30 mph at the top, at the next off-ramp I pulled into a station and refueled. I shut off and popped the hood and looked at the clear in-line filter; it was nearly empty but had some foam and bubbling action going on. Fuel was being sucked into the filter from the injection pump. I figured a plugged tank vent so I opened the fuel cap, but no whoosh at all. Filled the tank and started the car and took another look at the clear filter, and it was almost empty of fuel again. Low engine power condition was solved however, so I drove to work with no problem. So, I suspect that there is a vacuum forming inside the clear filter either because that filter is plugged or the tank screen is plugged. I'll be changing one or both shortly... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD
I ran out of fuel this morning on the way to work -- serious lack of power, etc -- on a low but no low fuel light tank. Put in a gallon or two from my brother's bulldozer supply jerrycan and then put in 16.5 gal at the station. Makes me think I have a bad screen, as the tank should hold 17 or so when the low fuel lamp comes on, 20 when completely empty. Also check your hoses between the metal suction line and the lift pump, including the thermostat and fuel heater (its in the heater hose line by the oil filter). Leaks in those lines will permit air into the suction side of the lift pump and let the fuel siphon back down the steel line into the tank. Quite likely to be intermittant at first. Will also cause hard starts. I will be looking at mine tonight or tomorrow, and plan a filter change soon. The PO put some unearthly concoction of diesel fuel, biodiesel, and veg oil in it, and I suspect I'll need to remove the tank from the wrecked car and swap soon. Peter -Original Message- From: andrew strasfogel astrasfo...@gmail.com Sent: Nov 4, 2009 11:11 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Had another low-power episode, '87 300TD I had nearly identical symptoms with mine. Check the tank screen - mine was completely coated with a brittle and impenetrable layer of 25 year old diesel lacquer! On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM, Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil wrote: Dieselvolk, Well it happened again on my way to work this a.m., repeat of episode a few weeks ago. On my way to work with about 3/4 tank, outside temps around 55 deg F, and right after I passed the last off-ramp before a very steep bridge crossing, my baby started losing steam. My choices were to stop on the side of the road and call for help, and risk being very late for work, or try to limp over the bridge which has a VERY narrow emergency lane in heavy traffic. I decided to make a run at getting over the bridge and got lucky, my speed had dropped to about 30 mph at the top, at the next off-ramp I pulled into a station and refueled. I shut off and popped the hood and looked at the clear in-line filter; it was nearly empty but had some foam and bubbling action going on. Fuel was being sucked into the filter from the injection pump. I figured a plugged tank vent so I opened the fuel cap, but no whoosh at all. Filled the tank and started the car and took another look at the clear filter, and it was almost empty of fuel again. Low engine power condition was solved however, so I drove to work with no problem. So, I suspect that there is a vacuum forming inside the clear filter either because that filter is plugged or the tank screen is plugged. I'll be changing one or both shortly... Very respectfully, /s/ LCDR Max Dillon '87 300TD 316k miles '95 E300 274k miles Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
