I have a 1986 GLE Turbo Diesel with 109,000 miles and have had it the past 3 years and my grandfather had it since it was new and until now there hasn't been one problem. Last night I went to start it (it had been driven less than 24 hours earlier) and it wouldn't start (36 degrees out) after 6 tries. A bunch of black smoke came out. I checked the oil (Chevron 15w-40 Delo) and it was at the minimum mark so I put a half a quart of Delo in and a half a quart of 10w-40 Castrol.

I tried starting it again and it wouldn't turn over. I checked the battery and it is showing 3/4 power and the air/lights work fine. I noticed some black smoke was coming out from what I believe is the exhaust tube going to the muffler (about 1' from the engine).

The only thing I've ever done to it was change the oil and the coolant (done a few months ago). It has a full tank of diesel and all the fluids look fine. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what could be the problem? Fuel pump, no spark, coil problem? If any of these can you please tell me where I would find it and how to check for a problem? I don't really have any experience working on automobiles but I am eager to learn and would like to try and fix it myself.

Also, I was about to change the fuel filter anyway so I figure I midas well go ahead and do it. Can somebody tell me where this is located on the car and if it's easy to do? I've done it on my Xterra before and it was pretty easy (except for getting gas all over my arms). What would be the best filter to go with?

Purolator F60152 $6.99
AC Delco TP858 $7.97
Fram P8043 $9.77
Wix 33472 $13.99

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've gotta get this thing running again! :)


Jeff