Make sure the glow plugs are working. Glow again when it starts to sputter.
Typically it will run on a few cylinders, stopping if you let off the starter, then gradually hit more and more and eventually run by itself. You won't overheat the starter if it's firing on a couple cylinders, it's not working very hard.
Is there white smoke rolling out the exhaust? Should be if there is fuel delivery.
You can try bypassing the fuel preheater -- switch the suction line directly to the lift pump. Replace the hoses if not new.
You can also check for air leaks by removing the return line from the steel line and putting it in a can partially filled with fuel and have someone crank the engine -- if you get lots of bubbles, you have an air leak on the suction side.
You may have a weak starter. They usually croak on a 603 by locking up solid, but it could be cranking slow. Minimum is 100 rprn, you should have better than that. Won't start otherwise, and you can crank til the end of time with a slow starter and nothing will happen.
Peter _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
