I found a 78 300cd that has been sitting awhile and the guy wants to sell. However it will not start. I checked for fuel at the ip and it was there. I also checked glow plugs and I can feel them getting warm. So I know its getting fuel and I know the glow plugs are getting warm. Someone said check to see if the cam is spinning so I took the oil cap off and looked and there is a TON of blow by. Anyone have a diesle that could assure me that this is not normal? Also if low compression isnt the problem what else could be?

 

how long it's been since it was last started?

if you loosen the fuel line on injection nozzle, does the fuel comes out?

 

Diesel is good for several years in dry climate.
In wet climate algae will grow and that will require flushing.
Starting fluid on diesel is not recommended, but if you are careful, you can spray small amount and see if you get ignition.