briandarnell

I just bought a 1982 240D 4 cyl 4 speed for 850 bucks. on the way home, the power(what little there was) seemed to give out on me on the interstate and i had to pull off the shoulder at least three times. It was then hard to start and had to crank it a few times. To top it off, bout half-way home the alternator belt broke and then it started steaming around the right front headlight. I found out it was the radiator cap leaking and the belt had broke. My question is what is causing the lack of power. I know the horsepower is small but it doesnt seem like my car should stall on the highway while flooring it. Any suggestions? hopefully nothing too big to fix. thanks...first time poster on this site.

Outre

Lack of power on Diesel Engines is most often Plugged Fuel Filters.

Also I would cut open the Filters and see what is in side. If you find any greenish black slimy stuff in the Filters your Fuel Tank/System has a Fungas growing inside of it.

If so a boicide like Startron (read the label to be sure you are buying the correct product for your needs) not only kills the infection but it has an enzyme that is supposed to eat up the dead bodies so that they are small enough not to plug up your Filters.

There is also a Filter Screen in the bottom of the Fuel Tank that can get plugged.

However, until you are sure you problem is over with I would carry some extra Filters in the Trunk and also the O-rings that are needed to seal the Bolt that is in the center of the Spin-on Secondary Filter.

The other issue is easy to check. Drive without the Fuel Fill Cap on. If it runs OK like that your Fuel Tank Vent is restricted.

Benzdom

Check also the air filter. Should be changed every 15 000 miles.

240D 3.0T

That is far too soon. An air filter needs to be changed based on restriction, not time or mileage.

Benzdom

It says so in my handbook.

But here in California with its deserts it can actually happen much sooner.

240D 3.0T

Your handbook was written over 25 years ago.