My 300D engine seems to shake and run louder than it should

[Gabriella]

I purchased a 1982 300D a couple months ago. When I bought it I noticed that the engine shook really bad and it seems to tick tick a bit too loud. I used a diesel cleanser a few times. I think it helped but are you suppose to use that every time? Also, since this is my first diesel, I am curious what I need to do to regularly maintain it the best I possilbly can. What kinds of fluids should I use and how often? How long should I let it warm up? All those sorts of things. Thank you for your time.
Gabriella

 

[thekeeper24]

with reguards to warming up,
ive found in my 81 that once the temp needle starts to move off the pin then it runs fine. if you try to drive right after its been cold the diesel is VERY noticably slower and chuggs & struggles until its warm. you can just feel the car hurting. I know noone will recommend driving on a dead cold engine.
If you have the heated engine block, plug it in over night when it starts to get cold. it works great, and you dont need to let it idle for more then a minute.
if you are having rumbles and shakes when its idleing, try adjusting the idle knob. on mine, it idles more smooth when it is slightly over the slowest idle.
-best of luck

 

[njpumphrey]

My 240TD from the same era also sounded like a tractor. These diesel engines aren't very sophisticated or refined, but just keep on going. I found that using vegetable oil instead of diesel softened the engine considerably, and virtually removed the ticking noises due to the added lubrication. It's also cheaper and more eco-friendly, but if you are thinking about it don't forget to register to pay the duty.

As for warming up - I've found it best to just get driving as soon as you start up. No idling time is necessary, but just don't expect too much for a few minutes. As for fluids, change the oil filter and oil with cheap 10/40 regularly (every 5000 miles or so). Expensive oils are no better for these engines, and sometimes worse, especially if you are inclined to change them less frequently!

 

[bigdaddyt]

noisy old diesel

I've got a 1985 300D with the 3.0 5cyl and its has always been a bit noisier than I thought it should be. I can't complain though, the first motor had 230K until I let someone borrow it and they cracked the head(long and painful story). The second motor's got 350K and still running strong. Remember these are iron motors and you've got to give them a bit to warm up so the rings can seal etc.

ctj

 

[NormanB]

All of the above and new engine mounts will improve matters no end.