i am posting this just in case anyone may have forgotten to tell newbies to the world of mercedes diesels the benefits of carrying spare primary fuel filters. on my way home tonight my 81 300 CD with 68 thous and change on it started to run rough. then it had no power then died. after calling my friend to tell him to standby i checked the primary and it was clogged. 3 minutes later, with a new filter in place, i primed it and it fired right up. i myself am ordering 5 of the damn things and keeping one in the glove box and my trusty multi screwdriver in the car at all times. it sure saves tow charge which around here (ma) would have cost 75 dollars just to hook me. i have seen this info posted somewhere before and thought it might be of benefit to post it again.

 

Hey thanks for the advice. I just bought a '75 300D of unknown history though it looks like it's in mint condition. It's my first diesel ever and I'm still trying to figure out how to take care of it. Every bit helps.

 

I once owned two MB diesels. Aside from fuel filters the most important thing you need if you are in a cold climate is a VERY strong, well-charged battery. One Christmas night, my 81 300SD drained 3 normal cars and almost drained a tow truck until he left the batteries connected for 15 minutes before I attempted a start. The only other time I had a similar problem the 15 minute connection to a slightly revving donor car was enough to start the diesel.
Once charged up a MB Diesel battery will start just about any gas loving car.
Hope this helps.