I've got a 300D turbo diesel. It's extremely low on power at low speeds. After about 15 MPH it will fly. But before that, it can hardly get out of it's own way. Any idea what could cause this?

I have a 300D turbo myself and these are not the most powerful cars, but I would check your linkage adjustment, valve adjustment, fuel filters, air filter and make any necessary corrections.

Valves out of adjustment will often make your diesel run like this. If you haven't done this yet then this is where I would start. I'm assuming yours is an '85 or earlier.

Double post?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Turbo Lag. I have one too and it takes a little bit of time for the turbo to spin up and catch up to the amount of fuel being delivered. Once the turbo is up to speed, then you will not notice a loss of power. Unless it is really sluggish at the low speeds then there might be another problem, this is my .02$.

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'87 300D Turbo Greasecar
'83 Kawasaki 550 KZ

Excessive turbo lag is caused by an alda problem. My 85 used to be super slow off the line then once it hit 15 it would push you back (somewhat) in your seat. I adjusted the alda a turn and the problem was solved.

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

Adjust the ALDA.

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81 300D Turbo 190K sold
83 300sd 319K best $500 I ever spent-daily driverw/ 2 tank WVO set up

The ALDA is the LAST thing that should be adjusted. Everything else should be checked and adjusted first (Fuel system, valves, linkage etc).

Spoil sport.

What year is the car Dave? Three distinctly different 300Ds that are turbodiesel.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Sorry, but its true. Adjusting the ALDA first is usually just a band-aid for other things that should get attention first.

It's 1982 with 133,000 miles.

Check the boost bleed off valve on the firewall. It bleeds off boost to the ALDA if the engine over boosts. The valve can clog and the ALDA won't get boost pressure to ad fuel. My wifes '84 wagon had that problem and the previous owner had replaced a $700.00 turbo needlesly. Also, put a BB in the vac line to the EGR valve. THEN adjust the ALDA if needed.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Huh, my car does the same thing but I never really thought twice about it. Where is the ALDA and how do you adjust it. I did the valves about a month ago, the fuel and air filters are good. Also, how should the linkage be adjusted.

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1985 Mercedes 300DT

Break off that black plastic cap, loosen lock nut, turn CCW.
Also make sure all your linkage is hooked up and working properly.

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83 SD

84 CD

Linkage first, injectors timing -> ALDA last.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

turn ccw just a little though and drive it to see. Adjust in very small increments. If your car starts putting out black smoke on hard acceleration, you've gone to far. You want it to just smoke a tad of grey smoke

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1981 300SD 512k OM603