Thread: 300tdi lost power

Hey Folks,

I got my hands on my grandpas 98' 130 and am fixing it up for road worthy, I've been lurking for a little while now but have been scratching my head on this and thought I should seek some advice. Time to make my first post...

A couple weeks ago I was going to collect some fire wood and it felt like it was struggling a little at 100kph. Once I loaded up and was heading home it was more noticeable, then slowly the speed started to drop off. I had to slow to 60 through town and really struggled to get back up even to 80. I shifted back a gear to see if it would hold speed with higher engine revs but it dropped back immediately.
This made me think it was a fuel starving problem, I was a little low on fuel and put it down to maybe some water in the tank got picked up.

When I finally made it home (it slowed to the point of about 20kph and stalled in the driveway) and got the ute unloaded I drained the last 15L or so from the tank into a bucket, but was short on time so I put the lid on to let it settle, and check for water and sediment when I had the chance.

Forgetting about checking the fuel, I have since pulled out the radiator, p/steering lines and so on in preparation to remove the engine to fix some oil leaks. When I did check the fuel, there is no sediment whatsoever, and no visible water. I drained the filter into a cup, same thing, clean diesel.

The first thing I had to do to get the ute running initially was fit a new lift pump so it's not 6 months old. The temp gauge didn't go above it's normal spot, about half way on the gauge, and there was no oil in the coolant (rusty water) or vice versa.

I cannot think of what caused the lose of power. If anyone has some ideas I'd appreciate it. I intend to take the injectors to get them tested anyway, is it worth removing the head to check the insides? I hadn't planned to open the engine as it has been starting easily and running fine.

I apologies for rambling a bit, but often find the first few replies on noob questions like this ask for more details that should have been posted initially.

Cheers
Matt

Fuel lift pump could be stuffed