Put your baby to bed with a warm blanket - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DubMutant · #16 12-08-2006, 10:55 PM

So it must have been about 23 deg. celcius here in Western Mass two hours ago. I decided to go for take out. Well, better fire up the Benz.

Zuker wasn't having it. I let it crank for 10 sec and nada. Just dimmer lights.OK. try again. yep. dimmer still.

Im relatively sure that because I have not decided on which brand synthetic to go with, that is the reason she won't turn over. Probably the Castrol 15W50 isnt helping either...

Good thing I have a 100 foot long extension cord. After two hours on the block heater she flipped like a good dog will for a tasty treat. I let her warm up to OT, then said goodnight.

I need to pick a synthetic. I have a trunk full of Mobil1 0W-40, but I just am not sure if that is the right choice. I have heard that the Mobil 1 Devac is the way to go so I plan to switch that out tomorrow and hopefully change the oil on Sunday.
Its a good thing I finally got the new hood pad in too, that probably aids greatly during warm-up on cold nights like tonight.

Anyhow, at least I didnt need to warm up my mountain bike...only my frozen face when I got in from picking up dinner.

Jadavis · #17 12-08-2006, 11:19 PM

Joegolden,

The heater is in there on the 87 300D's, you just have to buy the plug and put it in. 15 minute job.

-Jim
Let's Wire Up the Block Heater!

retmil46 · #18 12-09-2006, 11:41 AM

I may have to start driving the Jeep CRD to work for the winter. Huge parking lot, away from the buildings, no chance of parking next to any type of electrical outlet. Plus working 2nd shift, getting off at 10:30 PM, sitting outside for 8 hours getting nice and cold. You'd think that one of the largest diesel truck manufacturing plants in the country would at least have a few outside outlets for block heaters.

Last few nights the '87 has complained bitterly about being started in low temps, missing and bucking as soon as the glow plugs cut out. Thursday night when I got home from work, dug out the extension cord and plugged in the block heater, left it on until I left for work Friday afternoon. Fired right up nice and smooth, no missing or bucking after the GP's cut out, no clouds of gray smoke out the back. But after sitting in that cold parking lot for 8 1/2 hours....

Jadavis · #19 12-09-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

Last few nights the '87 has complained bitterly about being started in low temps, missing and bucking as soon as the glow plugs cut out.

On the 87 the glow plugs cut out as soon as you turn the key to start, at least on the August and earlier models.

Try letting the glow plugs go for 35 seconds, turn the key to off, turn it back on, then let it go for another 35 seconds. Then start it up. The glow plug system keeps heating even after the light goes off. My timer stops at 36 seconds.

Have you checked your glow plugs to see if they are all working?

What engine oil are you using? 15W40 is only good down to +23F. Synthetic 5W30 or 5W40 (rated for diesel of course) will make your life a lot easier.

I have non-synthetic 15W40 in mine right now. My glow plugs are new and the glow system is working properly. My car started right up after one 35 second cycle, chugged and grumped a bit, and then was fine after 30 seconds or so. It was 18F that morning. After next week I will be switching to synthetic 5Wsomething oil. That was without being plugged in.

-Jim

retmil46 · #20 12-09-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadavis

On the 87 the glow plugs cut out as soon as you turn the key to start, at least on the August and earlier models.

Try letting the glow plugs go for 35 seconds, turn the key to off, turn it back on, then let it go for another 35 seconds. Then start it up. The glow plug system keeps heating even after the light goes off. My timer stops at 36 seconds.

Have you checked your glow plugs to see if they are all working?

What engine oil are you using? 15W40 is only good down to +23F. Synthetic 5W30 or 5W40 (rated for diesel of course) will make your life a lot easier.

I have non-synthetic 15W40 in mine right now. My glow plugs are new and the glow system is working properly. My car started right up after one 35 second cycle, chugged and grumped a bit, and then was fine after 30 seconds or so. It was 18F that morning. After next week I will be switching to synthetic 5Wsomething oil. That was without being plugged in.

-Jim

Somewhere along the line in it's previous life, it must have had an updated relay put into it. Mine stays on for 35 seconds, regardless of when/if you start it. I've confirmed this watching the voltmeter I have plugged into the cigar lighter. Batt is pulled down from 12.6 to 10.8, as soon as it starts they keep the alternator pulled down to 12, then as soon as they cut out voltage jumps up to 13.8.

Checked the GP's at the relay connector, all reading 0.6 ohms.

It runs fine until the plugs cut off, then starts missing and bucking. Probably because I've got a good case of injector nailing, spray pattern on one or more injectors isn't good enough to light off until it warms up. When it's missing, the little man with the ball peen hammer goes away. As soon as it stops missing, he starts beating with that hammer again.

After being plugged in all night and warm, fires right up with no miss or smoke.

Have a set of Bosio nozzles in hand from DG (just arrived today) and a maintenance appointment at the MB dealer in Hickory for Tuesday. Given the unknown history of the beast, figured it might be a good idea to do a major maintenance at least once, and while they're at it make the little man with the hammer go away.

Shell 15W40 in it right now, already have 8 quarts of Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 5W40 and a new filter in hand. Just debating whether or not to do it myself this weekend, or let the service tech do it on Tuesday.

DubMutant · #21 12-12-2006, 11:51 PM

they are identical. Who knew? Mobil, of course.

mystery solved!

I have chosen my oil product. Now to put it in....

whunter · #22 12-13-2006, 12:52 AM

Cold weather starting links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/137674-cold-weather-starting-links.html#post1018529

Have a great day.

Magoo · #23 12-13-2006, 09:14 AM

Man, I feel so fortunate after reading some of these posts about difficulties with cold starts. My baby has been doing very well even down to 10F so far, running conventional 10W40 and non-functioning block heater. All I've had to do is put in new glow plugs. One or 2 full glow cycles and she fires in 3-5 seconds of cranking. I still plan to address the block heater issue though, because it WILL get colder. I'm still struggling with high operating temps...

WD8CDH · #24 12-14-2006, 07:59 AM

If it's cold, get that 15W-40 out of there!!!!

It's hard to find a diesel rated conventional oil thinner than 15W-XX but most of the Mobil conventional oils are CF rated. That's at least better than most diesel oils made in '85.

At the very least use a 10W-40, 10W-30 or 5W-30 CF or better rated oil when it gets cold.

As far a synthetic, for me, Rotella 5W-40 is easiest to find (Wallmart) and affordable. There may be better synthetics but it is FAR better than any oil available in '85.

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