New Timing chain, now wont start on '81 240D
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
1982 240 D,1985 300D
New Timing chain, now wont start on '81 240D
I have a toughie, folks. My project car is a 1981 240 D in which previous owner replaced the timing chain and then it wouldn't start. Only 100K miles. He said probably bad glow plugs. NOT! So far I have checked cam timing, adjusted valves(WAY OUT!) , bled the system(lots of air bubbles top of filter, and cracked the injector lines. NO fuel coming to injector lines! He also had removed the vacuum pump(WHY?) which I replaced. The vacuum pump is driven by the timing chain and I assume is keyed to the injection pump. I can see the vacuum pump turning when I manually rotate the engine. Is it possible the injection pump shaft is not turning ? IE., could he have disconnected it somehow? Is there any way to tell if the injection pump is rotating short of removing it entirely? Note I have done the timing chain R&R twice on 123 cars and everything went smoothly so I don't see how he screwed this job up. IDEAS!??
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
1982 240 D,1985 300D
The thought occurred to me but supposedly the pump wasn't removed and wouldn't it still put out fuel thru the lines even if the timing was off? I tried starting it while hitting the priming pump but to fuel output.The car sat for a few yrs also so I soaked the pump and filter with diesel purge. I guess I may have to tackle pump timing???
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 4
1982 240 D,1985 300D
The thought occurred to me but supposedly the pump wasn't removed and wouldn't it still put out fuel thru the lines even if the timing was off? I tried starting it while hitting the priming pump but to fuel output.The car sat for a few yrs also so I soaked the pump and filter with diesel purge. I guess I may have to tackle pump timing???
