I have been posting about my starting problems with my 300 TDT since last fall. I have things pretty well narrowed down now, I think. I have been starting to suspect that the problem has to do with air entering the fuel system or some other fuel starving problem.
My Benz has been parked and inoperative for a few weeks because of the starting problem. Yesterday a friend of mine towed me up a nearby mountain and then we turned around and removed the rope and then I began to coast back down the mountain. Once I reached 35 mph I turned on the glow plugs for a few seconds and dropped the car into low (automatic transmission). The engine started right up and ran perfectly. I drove around for a half hour or so and then drove back up the mountain, running the motor hard so it would get a little hot. I shut the motor off and started it a few times, and it started fine.
Today it is 22 C (72 F) here. I just went out and tried to start the car. It began to start normally, and then, just when the engine smoothed I released the starter and it died. Then when I tried to start it it acts like it is out of fuel. I can't seem to find anything wrong with the fuel delivery system and no leaks. I have replaced the fuel lines and the fuel filters and the priming pump. Once the engine starts, it runs great, so I think the injection pump must be working right.
What are the possiblities for fuel leaks? Is there a supply pump in the tank on these models?