Repair Topics / Diesels

Car Diesels Questions and Answers

Question: 1979 Mercedes 300SD Turbo Diesel_mileage: 103,000.  I've never owned a diesel car before, so I'm not sure what this could be.  The other cold morning, I started the car, let it run for a minute then drove.  As soon as it shifted into 2nd gear, it started screaming - like a high-pitched horn sound coming through what seemed like the vents into the front of the car. When I slow down, the noise lowers in tone until I'm in first gear when it stops altogether.  I wasn't bold enough to try a higher speed.  I'm afraid to take it to a mechanic without having some idea first, because I don't know any around where I live. (I just bought the car a few months ago.)

Answer:  Without listening to the high-pitched noise, we can give you some suggestions of what to look for.  First, check the vacuum pump and also the vacuum hoses.  Next, check for loose or faulty fan belts. 

Question: 1986 Dodge Ram 318 mileage: 100,000.  Hey, I have an 86 Dodge Ram that when you shut it down it diesels.  So far, I have put a new carburetor on it in hopes that that was the problem, but it wasn't.  Now I'm going to check the timing chain, but before I do can you tell me what is wrong with it?

Answer: Check the ignition timing, idle speed (not to high) and the cooling system to be sure it is not on the verge of overheating.

Question: 1987 Mercedes 300TD  mileage: 230k.   Car has no problem starting but when I turn the key to turn it off the car keeps running. I have to pop the hood and hit the stop switch.

Answer:  Vacuum is used to shut off the fuel to stop the engine.  Check the vacuum hoses for leaks and check for proper operation of the vacuum pump.

Question: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro Mileage: 154,000.  What is the problem when the car continues to run even after the car is shut off and it still shakes and grumbles?

Answer: It is possible that the idle is set to high.  Also, try using a higher octane grade of gas.

Question: 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1.3 mileage: 160,531.  My car is trying to keep running after I shut the key off.  What would be causing this?

Answer:  Your problem may be that your idle speed is set too high.  Correcting to the proper specifications, should fix your problem.  Also, check that your car is not overheating.  Sometimes, too low octane gas can be the culprit.

Repair Topics / Diesels