Cold weather whats that? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #1 10-14-2006, 11:34 PM

The SDL doesn't usualy see cold weather, it will be in storage in short order. But last night I came home pretty late and left her outside, insted of in the garage. So this morning I go to fire her up, its like 35 out coldest so far this fall. She fired off like it was a 100 degree August day.

Zero difference in cranking speed thanks Delvac 1 and OE battery! Zero difference in shifting when cold, thanks Mobil 1 ATF. Heat came on within a couple of minutes and was hot as can be, thank you rebuilt CCU.

With a properly tuned diesel, winter whats that? These things fire off like gas cars if they are in tune.

84300DT · #2 10-15-2006, 08:35 AM

being in tune with a good battery/starter and glow plugs is key for sure. i will say that for mine there is a big difference between above freezing and below freezing temps. and how the car reacts. i'm using dino 15/40 oil all year round...

below +20F i use the block heater for a few hours prior to facilitate the first start of the day, and it makes a big difference.

at least it's not snowing.. yet...

TheDon · #3 10-15-2006, 08:41 AM

what is cold weather?

pawoSD · #4 10-15-2006, 08:43 AM

I never have to crank any longer than 1-2 cranks until it gets below about 7-10F, then it takes maybe 3-5 cranks.

Bill Ladd · #5 10-15-2006, 08:44 AM

A bit chilly here this AM. Down around 50 or so. Cranked right up for me since I recently replaced three bad glowplugs!

Will check them again as soon as my reamer shows up.

Bill Ladd · #6 10-15-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

what is cold weather?

Same thing as humidity, but different.

#7 10-15-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lux

A bit chilly here this AM. Down around 50 or so. Cranked right up for me since I recently replaced three bad glowplugs!

Will check them again as soon as my reamer shows up.

LOL, one night last year my car spent the night outside in Green Bay (-10F). It took a couple of tries, but it started.

I agree, if they have reasonable compression and are well tuned they will start in the winter.

Shorebilly · #8 10-15-2006, 05:09 PM

Howdy all,

Us folks that have to deal with chilly weather should be getting ready for wintertime.......

Over the years I learned much about diesel engines from the Germans, I rode with a Hapag-Lloyd bunch when my company purchased some used diesel ships from them.

If all else fails in very cold weather, try using a heat gun or hair dryer...blowing the hot/warm air into the intake.....and then cranking.

Dodge Cummins engines do not have glow plugs, they have intake air heaters, and one must never use ether on them for obvious reasons!!

An old time German Chief Engineer and I went to see why the German crew was having troubles starting an auxiliary Diesel....it was very cold......and the engine would crank, but not fire.....he said some choice words in German, and then got a newspaper, rolled it up, dipped the end in some diesel fuel, lit it on fire (cigarette lighter), held the burning newspaper torch in front of the air intake, and told his assistant engineer to crank it......and it started......for those at home, this was done by a professional ship's engineer....in violation of all sorts of fire safety regulations.....do not attempt unless it's a true emergency......

My old German diesel tractor does not have glow plugs, it does have a priming pump that sprays fuel just in front of the intake valves, to assist in cold weather starting.......at temperatures below 30F I generally heat the air cleaner with a heat gun.....pump the cold start primer....and she generally fires up on the first try.....smokes white a good bit....but settles down and runs well.....and she is air cooled, no jacket water to get warm and help out......

Just thought a good story would help out on a chilly morning.....lol

SB