If you have been around Mercedes diesels for any length of time, you have either asked this question or have had to deal with trying to find the answer. When troubleshooting a no-start problem it is always best to check the simple things first before moving on to the more difficult repairs. This guide covers 116, 123, and 126 chassis diesels from 1978 to 1991.
This is true when troubleshooting any mechanical problem, but particularly true when dealing with starting issues. When the problem can not be fixed quickly with the simple checks I recommend then I will take you through a detailed checklist of everything you should check to determine why your diesel will not start. The manual is broken down into sections dealing with the three types of no start situations. 1. What to do when your engine won't turn over at all 2. What to do when you engine will turn over but not fire 3. What to do when your engine will turn over and fire but not keep running. Loaded with many tips to finding your solution, including some that you may have never heard of!
PLEASE NOTE: This same information is contained in my complete Diesel Engine Fault Diagnostic Manual. If you have already purchased that large volume no need to purchase this sourcelet.