190D timing - has anyone advanced?

[Adrianh1]

Despite a new battery and a new starter motor, my starting problems have recently turned. When I next get the car started I am going to get a proper compression/leak-down test done from a diesel specialist I've been recommended in Essex. I'm hoping the current problem can be cured by advancing the timing, rather than be told that the engine (210k) needs new rings (please God no). I've gone through my service history and can find nothing detailing that the timing has been adjusted - since new. I've been told that as the chain wears through its life the timing retards - not helpful, particularly if you're running on veg oil, which I am (Smart-veg twin-tank set-up).

So has anyone advanced the timing on their diesel/veg-diesel indirect injection MB at all, and did it improve performance?

Many thanks for any thoughts.

Adrian

190D 2.5

 

[Bolide]

Seems a bit pointless to speculate. The car is having starting problems and that's a sign of lack of compression which can happen when biodiesel gums up the rings

I'd get the compression tested first and then speculate

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Adrianh1]

Thanks Nick. Once the car starts, it runs very quietly and strongly, which is why I thought it might be related to timing.

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Pump timing doesn't move much - only about half as much as cam timing is retarded, because it's about halfway on the chain run.

Check your;

battery
glow plugs
glow plug power supply / relay
compressions
low pressure fuel system
starter motor

Most diesel starting problems will be cured once you've worked through that list

 

[Adrianh1]

Thanks Number Cruncher. I'll get a compression test and then go from there.