my question is how can the rack dampening bolt be replaced easily when the oil filter canister is right in the way of pulling out the old one. i have done quite a bit of research relating to this and have not found an explanation as to how this procedure can be done, but i have found those who have done it and said it was really easy---the purpose of all this is to stop my 85 300d from the rough idle which is intermittent but always when cold (relatively speaking from CA) can anyone out there help with this thanks mg

Tilt it. The effective length of the bolt will decrease as a function of the sine of the angle of deflection.

The rack dampner bolt replacement is normally due to rough idle when warm.

If you have a rough idle when cold, I would suspect glow plugs first then possibly injectors.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I replaced mine to fix warm rough idle.

I have done this procedure, it isnt hard hard and its easy to get the bolt out.

Search under my username and youll find my account of doing it. Youll need 12mm and 14mm open end wrenches. Secret ninja technique to turn the bolt is to twist with thumb and forefinger wrapped around the oil cooler line.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

I did this a little while back and didn't have any issues with access to the bolt.

I did this myself recently, {SD} a little warm around oil filter housing, bolt came out. Did not have an issue.

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83 SD

84 CD