Q: I have added 5 gallons of new diesel and cetane booster, but the engine refuses to run. I get smoke and intermittent firing, but the engine dies quickly. It seems that there is a problem delivering fuel to the engine (I have pumped the primer to no avail). Any suggestions would be appreciated.
A: The 300 SD is probably the best car in terms of reliability and maintenance that mercedes ever built.From the symptoms you have described I am sure your problem is with your glow plugs.If you switch on the ignition the glow plug light should come on and go off after 20 to 30 seconds depending on the ambiant temperatute.Once you start the engine the glow plug light stays off.If the glow plug light does not come on when you turn the igniton on you could have one or more bad glow plugs.Check and replace the glow plugs and the car should start right up!