On my '83 240D, the block heater doesn't seem to be working...no power draw, no 'sizzle' noise, no help with cold starting. How likely is it that the heater element itself is the source of my problem? Or is it more likely to be the power cord? What's the normal procedure and pass/fail criteria to check the heater element with a multimeter?

Also, anyone know a place in metro Detroit where I can find either the replacement power cord or a magnetic block heater in stock? I REALLY need to get this thing started tomorrow, and it's been near-impossible with the temp below 20deg F.

TIA,
nate

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'83 MB 240D....mmm french fries
'86 VW QSW....snowmobile

see this thread:
block heater

If you really need to get the car going fast you could always pick up a dipstick heater locally to "bridge the gap" till you can fix the block heater.

You might also want to test the glow plugs if you haven't, my 300d started first crank on the couple 20 degree days we had here in Atlanta this year.

ben

Ben-

Thanks for the reply...I found that thread after I posted this one.

You're right, I probably need to check the glow plugs. I haven't done it yet because the glow plug light on the dash is working properly, and I've been crazy busy...I have five cars and all of them were down for the count this week.

I've just located a magnetic block heater to get me going temporarily until I can diagnose the source of my block heater problem.

Thanks again,
nate

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'83 MB 240D....mmm french fries
'86 VW QSW....snowmobile

you bet,
If you know how to use a multimeter it will only take you a couple minutes to test the glow plugs... changing them is a little tougher unless you have tiny hands.
ben