Same problem with mine a few months ago. Check engine light was on for a couple of months. After reading the WIS and performing the tests, the results just didn't make sense to me. Much as I hate to just throw parts at a problem, in this case I sucked it up and replaced the one part that I thought was the problem, the shut off valve, 000 078 44 49. Paid $132 for it. Problem solved. It's been six months now and no check engine light. The part is on the driver's side and is barely visible under the manifold. There are two fuel lines going to it and a four pin connector plugged into it. It's a whole lot easier to do with the manifold out of the way. I've had mine on and off so often that I can do it in about fifteen minutes now. If you haven't already replaced all of your plastic fuel lines and O rings, then this is a great time to do that too. Same with the glow plugs. I can send you a link to all the O rings and fuel line part numbers if you need them.

Len
'99 E300TD 87,000 miles

Thanx! I'd really appreciate the link to the fuel line info. I have read over and over they will leak - mine seem to be OK, but they are hard clear plastic (an odd choice of material it looks like to me) with a seemingly weak connection. Are the replacement parts better? Or the same? I took a peek this afternoon and think I saw the beast (valve). The dealer near my work wants $175!!! I found a dealer 20 mins south of me who wants $30 less. I guess I'll buy it all from that one in one fell swoop.

Also any advice on pulling the manifold (reuse gaskets? Gasket #'s) would be greatly appreciated.

Since I just got the car used w/o any history (it shows on carfax as being serviced at MB dealers and it looks like it - for example, the serpentine belt has the MB logo and appears to be brand new) would I likely need glow plugs? Is there a regular replacement cycle or just when the CEL light comes on? I see your point though about doing it now since the manifold is off anyway...

I'd also like to be a tad more self sufficient - have any idea where can I get shop manuals w/o loosing an arm and a leg?

Thanx!

Andy

Here's the fuel line info - 99 e300td injector pump leak

Do some reading on the glow plugs. They have a tendency to stick and break off in the head. Here's my example - E300TD glow plug stuck/broken

Here's a good post about glow plug replacement - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/88574-finally-step-step-glowplug-change-98-99-e300-post580948.html

Try Phil from Fastlane above for your parts or MBCA technical director George Murphy, George_Murphy@compuserve.com

Len