My 1978 300D left me stranded on Interstate 5 just south of Everett, WA yesterday. It seems to me to be a fuel delivery problem, it shuddered and died. Restarted and ran for a short time and died again. I had it towed to a nearby freeway pirate's yard.

Does anyone out there have a recommendation for an independent Benz diesel mechanic in the Everett or Lynnwood areas? I can't afford the tow to my regular Seattle shop.



In happier times...

 

Nice looking car.
If you have trusted mechanic - I would rather tow it to him that try the luck with another one. Not too many good diesel mechanics to start with and you have vintage car, where they can't fix it by touching keyboard /
You are not that far, so rent a truck with car hauler and bring it. Your mechanic should have some sources how to do it as well.
That said, this is DIY forum. WE fix our cars. Sounds like you might be for new fuel filter, what takes single wrench and good jumping battery to crank the engine for priming.

 

Thanks for the suggestion of speaking to my Seattle mechanic first. Perhaps he knows how I can get the car transported to his location for less than the yard demands.

I too try to do my own maintenance, within limits. I replaced the primary and secondary fuel filters within the past month. Since then I did a diesel purge but decided against replacing the filters afterward since the remaining purge fluid was relatively clear. In hindsight, that may have been a mistake.

 

Try this place, Adam and Mark are the best

Mercedes Garage
1807 130th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 462-2090
https://*******/maps/4SZckzwo7QiuLWtB6

 

Thanks DanD! I'm familiar with Park Place generally and am sure they are good mechanics, but am hoping to find someone in Everett or nearer me on the west side.

Just to close the loop, I changed out the pre and primary filters and got the car running for a short distance before it shuddered and quit again. This is what the pre-filter looked like when I changed it out. Note that this is after less than 100 miles since the last filter replacement. The car sat in storage for more than a year before I got it, I'm pretty sure that the fuel tank is badly rusted inside and will require someone with greater capabilities than I have to deal with it..


Looks like rust to me.

 

Now you are telling about 1 year old fuel?
That remind me 1969 classic Ford I bought from neighbour for $1.
It sat under the tree for 5 years and there was no longer fluid gasoline in tank.
The car had tiny filter build into carburetor.
After filling up, fixing starter with new fuel pump - the engine start and run, but 2 miles later I had to replace fuel filter.
Took me about 7 filters to make 25 miles.
In your case I would check automotive place if they have bigger inline filters. No need to pay premium for MB prefilters in this case.
Would be good idea to replace tank sock as well.

 

Perhaps WE can go take a flying leap, Your Majesty.

 

It is hard to help you when you don't care about helping yourself.
Happy New Year.