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Diagnosing a worn out diesel

Submitted by humanaquarium on 12 October 2007 - 11:17am.
Hello, I have excessive oil blow by comming out the breather tube, so much so , that my air filter is about 35% covered in oil. I also have a distinct metal knowcking noise at idle speeds, seems to be comming from the front of engine but cant be sure. I read your " why does my diesel leak" manual and it said something about a cam going bad...how do you check this? I have done my valves( also with your cool tools- excellent!) and forgot to check the cam, and Im not sure what to look for. Also how do you check the timing chain? Thanks in advance James
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Might be terminal

13 October 2007 - 8:10pm
Kent Bergsma
Hi James, I have seen this condition many many times before and it usually means the engine is worn out. But don't give up hope. I have seen knocking diesels with high oil consumpiton keep going for thousands of miles. My recommendation is to start looking for another car or engine. In the mean time just keep adding oil and changing air filters until it is time to put it to rest. When it will no longer start easily when cold it will be time for the funeral. Kent

Not Good

14 October 2007 - 10:05am
humanaquarium
Kent, I feel duped ! I was of the understanding that these cars can go 500- 100M Miles! Man, I bought this car with 225k on it and have put over 3000 in parts just to get it running, kinda right! Now I find the engine is blown! Man my wife is looking at me like Im an idiot, I thought Id save us $ my getting a car and going WVO... Now, I do have a 1982 300td , and I have a 1985 300td parts car with a engine & drivetrain with 150k on it. Do you have a guide on swapping them out, or is it even worth it at this point...Im at such a loss this is bad news for me. Word of warning, make sure that when you bring someone to look at your car with you- he KNOWS A DIESEL ENGINE! James James

Buying and diagnosing help

18 October 2007 - 8:42am
Kent Bergsma

So many people have been duped by the belief - Mercedes diesels will last forever - that I finally had to write a Mercedes Diesel Owners Survival Guide. CLICK HERE to read more. This book dispels some of this myth and warns the reader you have to be very careful what you buy. Your best defense is knowledge and experience... and the experience you can learn from others can save you thousands of dollars. Armed with his manual and my Diesel Engine Performance Tuning and Repair (engine specific) you can go out and purchase a good older diesel with confidence. CLICK HERE to read more about this engine manual.

These manuals may also help you decide if it is worth trying to save your current diesel. When and if you decide to go after another one you WILL be ready.