Shaking idle, but smooth cruise? Mercedes diesel?

Question

I have a 1982 Mercedes 300TD and it shakes violently at idle, but cruises very nicely at part throttle and above. It does have a WVO set-up, but this happens when using either diesel or WVO. I'm not too experience with diesels nor German cars, so I'm hoping I can get some help. I am mechanically inclined so I can do decent work if need be.

Answer 1

shaky idle is common on diesels, especially older designs.  it's why people think of the noise of a diesel, but as they cruise they smooth out.

Answer 2

sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere.

Answer 3

Mine had shaky idle.If the rack damper bolt on the rear of injection pump is not gold colored,you probably need a new one.Before you do that make sure valves are adjusted,tight valves give bad idle.If over 200,000 miles it probably needs injectors.Make sure timing chain was changed at 200,000 miles.Diesels don't build vaccum,thats why a vaccum pump.

These older diesel are bullet proof and nuke proof, no stupid electronics.