PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 240d sat a week, hard to start cold, easy when warm, now won't start

vstech · #1 01-13-2011, 06:30 PM

most older diesels will NOT start without fully functioning glow plugs. that's why I asked you how long you let them glow. I glow for 35 seconds, or when I hear it click, then turn it off and glow another 35 seconds, and try it. the puddle could be from the banjo, but it could also be from a fuel return line, or even the rear primary filter line could be leaking.
gray smoke just means it's trying to fire, but has not enough heat.
look around the bumper for a black cord. it might be tied to the tow hook under the bumper. plug it in.
can you define "all over the place" with respect to the ohms of the glow harness? they all should test around 8, but that does not mean they are good, it just means they pass the quickie test. simple way to test for sure is, let them glow for 35 seconds, then turn off the key and put your finger on the base of each plug. you should feel warmth to hot at the base. if it's stone cold, likely the plug is bad.