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Old 02-02-2009, 10:02 AM
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Graplr Graplr is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 1,649
What oil are you currently using? I ask because you state 'hopefully find some diesel oil'. Makes me think you are using regular oil. First use diesel rated oil, then try to find lighter weight (probably synthetic like Rotella or Mobil 1). I buy mine at the local farm supply store. It is called Fleet Farm here but there are many different versions. I'm sure most have diesel oil.

Of course you should check your glowplugs, but many have stated on here that the switch to lightweight synthetic adds 15-20F degrees lower of cold starting. I've always run syn so I have nothing to compare it to but I have done a -4F cold start this winter.

Here is the check list for cold starting problems-

1-Glow Plugs
2-Valves
3-Synthetic Oil
4-Battery/Alternator
5-Starter
6-Fuel
7-Engine (Compression)

It seems you can cross 4 and 6 of your list as you have a new battery, alternator and use Power Service (I don't and have never had a gelling problem even at -22F a few weeks ago).

Since I've owned my car, I've had problems with 1,2,4, and 5. Each gave me problems starting in the cold.
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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD


Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD
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