Can anyone explain in specific electrical terms why an MB Diesel will not start immediately with a jump when its battery is totally dead.

Does a dead battery "draw" so much current charging when connected to a 14v source that there is insufficient current to engage the starter?

I'm sure that the current draw of the starter makes a difference...years ago the starter in my Toyota Corolla looked like a hobby kit motor...about the size of your fist. But in my 123 diesel, the starter is a moose! I'm sure it is very easy to jump a corolla, but not an MB Diesel.

Is it a function of the gauge of the jumper cables? I recently read on a forum post somewhere from an MB Diesel owner that with 1 gauge jumpers (very thick copper conductors) he "could jump his car even if the battery is dead without having to wait for it to charge".

Is it because most cars have small batteries and can't provide sufficient cranking amps to meet the demand of an MB Diesel?

In my own experience, I recently had a dead battery....came back from a business trip to the airport where my 123 diesel wagon was parked, and the battery was so dead that it barely caused the dash lights to flicker. A guy who worked for the garage came over to give me a jump with a brand new Ford F250 pickup and a set of 20 foot 4 gauge jumpers, and it would not turn over my starter immediately..we had to let it run while connected for about 10 minutes...basically giving my battery a quick charge...before it would turn over.

If you had a dead battery,and needed a jump, couldn't you just disconnect the pos. cable on your own dead battery and connect the jumpers and expect your car to start immediately? Then just reconnect the pos. cable?

Finally, with certain vehicles, I understand that you can damage your alternator when jumping....something about the diodes?...can anyone explain this? Who's at risk, the car getting or giving the boost?

Thanks,

Mark

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)