'82 240d likes to buck, kick, and now won't start

[doriank8]

Hello,

After recent weeks of somewhat manageable bucking and kicking and feeling like it's going to shut off at idle (mainly when cold), my 1982 240d wouldn't start this morning. I finally got it to turn over after about 6 or 8 whole seconds on the ignition, but it felt like it would just die if I let off. And boy was there a lot of smoke out of the tailpipe. As stated, it's been running a little bad lately especially when cold, but I reside in Redlands, CA where it's warm and the car's never not started right up. I've had it about a year- bought from a guy in Chicago. If the odometer worked, it would probably read around 170,000 miles. About due for an oil change, but not quite. If anyone has any ideas, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Thanks,

-kb

[Skippy]

Does it stop the bucking and kicking when it warms up? Have you checked your glow plugs? When were the valves adjusted last? Fuel filters last changed?

[doriank8]

Hello Eric,

Thanks for yor response. Until recently, the bucking/kicking would totally go away once the car had warmed up. My car-savvy brother and former neighbor replaced a leaking fuel line or hose of whatever (diesel would drip from the rear end) about a month ago or so, and since then, the bucking/kicking has persisted a little even when all warmed up, but would work itself out most of the time (I do mostly city driving- extended freeway sessions are rare). This morning was unique in that I couldnt barely get the thing started and got a lot of smoke and unhealthy sounds for my trouble. As far as the valves and glow plugs, and that other stuff you mentioned are concerned, I don't have any idea. My problem is that I obviously don't know much about cars. Does my car problem sound serious to you off hand or do you think it's something fairly easily/cheaply repaired? I'm taking it in tomorrow morning.

Thanks a lot for your time,

-kb

[doriank8]

I meant "Hello Skippy" -haha, sorry

[kerry]

Problem with the glowplugs.

[toomany MBZ]

^^I agree, check the resistance should be less than one.

[doriank8]

Oh man, that's great news. I actually thought of one more thing now that you guys mention the glow plugs: the orange ignition light (the one on the right hand side of instrument panel) has recently stopped lighting when I turn the key to the "on" position. It's got to be just a glow plug replacement, right?

[brownrice78]

Definitely glow plug related after your last comment. Could be your glow plugs or the glow plug relay. Check dieselgiant.com for DIY procedure to check the system. Otherwise, have your brother check it out

[doriank8]

Awesome, thanks. I can't believe I failed to make the connection between the starter light and glow plug possibility. Thanks again!

[kerry]

Couple of suggestions if you're going to drive one of these old diesels:

Get out your owner's manual and read it thoroughly.

Set aside some time and read the various DIY articles on this forum as well as reading thru the forum. You'll need a basic knowledge of the glowplug system, the fuel system, and the vacuum system if you don't want to spend lots of $$$ on repairs.

[t walgamuth]

Sounds like you might also be sucking air on the fuel line.