Do I need a block heater in West Virginia? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bassmun · #1 09-22-2008, 11:54 AM

I just got my first diesel this past summer. Will I need a block heater here in West Virginia? It usually gets down into the 20's in the middle of winter sometimes warmer, sometimes colder.

#2 09-22-2008, 11:59 AM

I can start mine below 0*F without one. It strongly depends on the engine's health and maintenance quality (valve adjustment, injection timing and cam timing) but it can be done.

If you have easy access to a power cord, you should plug it in below 32*F anyways if only for the benefits of reduced engine and starter wear. Leaving it plugged in all night works out to less than 20c in electricity.

bassmun · #3 09-22-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I can start mine below 0*F without one. It strongly depends on the engine's health and maintenance quality (valve adjustment, injection timing and cam timing) but it can be done.

If you have easy access to a power cord, you should plug it in below 32*F anyways if only for the benefits of reduced engine and starter wear. Leaving it plugged in all night works out to less than 20c in electricity.

Thanks for the info. I think I will get one installed just to be on the safe side.

bassmun · #4 09-22-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I can start mine below 0*F without one. It strongly depends on the engine's health and maintenance quality (valve adjustment, injection timing and cam timing) but it can be done.

If you have easy access to a power cord, you should plug it in below 32*F anyways if only for the benefits of reduced engine and starter wear. Leaving it plugged in all night works out to less than 20c in electricity.

Thanks for the info, I think I will have one installed just to be on the safe side.

pizzachef · #5 09-22-2008, 12:08 PM

I'm in south central Pennsylvania..not too far north of you..and a block heater is worth it for me. I can get the car started without too much trouble if I forget to plug it in in the winter, but starting is summer-like with the block heater.

bassmun · #6 09-22-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I can start mine below 0*F without one. It strongly depends on the engine's health and maintenance quality (valve adjustment, injection timing and cam timing) but it can be done.

If you have easy access to a power cord, you should plug it in below 32*F anyways if only for the benefits of reduced engine and starter wear. Leaving it plugged in all night works out to less than 20c in electricity.

Thanks for the info, I think I will install one just to be on the safe side.

bassmun · #7 09-22-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

I'm in south central Pennsylvania..not too far north of you..and a block heater is worth it for me. I can get the car started without too much trouble if I forget to plug it in in the winter, but starting is summer-like with the block heater.

Cool, sounds like I am going to get that block heater!!

Shorebilly · #8 09-22-2008, 03:00 PM

Folks,

I live in Doddridge County, WV (sorta North Central) and in my opinion West Virginia is right on the cusp of Block Heaters being absolutely necessary. However, I consider it wise to have them and to use them.

All of my vehicles have strong batteries, and carry jumper cables as part of their individual emergency tool kits.

My 300D also has great compression, recent valve lash adjustment, and fresh glow plugs, and has never refused to start, even if it wasn't plugged in.....it has overnighted in Cleveland and such in wintertime.

As far as my 190D goes, I don't know yet....glow plugs appear to work well, engine runs well, has good compression, hydraulic lifters (valve lash not a possible issue).....we shall see in a few months.....presently am working on getting the heater running...

Any night when it is forecast to get below 20*F, I plug them in for insurance.....

SB

herring · #9 09-22-2008, 03:30 PM

Mine came with a block heater, but where I live it's inconvenient to use one. I've started mine at 25F without it, but it takes "work". As others have said, it depends on how well your valves are adjusted and how the compression is. Also, the weight of motor oil (I'm going to put in 10W40 instead of 15W40 for the winter) and whether you've got any kerosene in the fuel tank (my owners manual recommends an 80-20 mix of diesel and kerosene for 25F, which I didn't do last winter).

lowriderdog37 · #10 09-22-2008, 06:01 PM

Just remember, you'll get heat a little quicker with it too.

LUVMBDiesels · #11 09-22-2008, 06:27 PM

Also remember to switch out that 15W40 for 5W40 Synthetic if you have not already done so.

The SDL is form North carolina and does not have a heater. can't wait to try it this winter in Harpers ferry and up in NY

derburger · #12 09-22-2008, 07:02 PM

I installed a block heater to "baby" the engine in the winter, and I would have heat by the time I left my driveway. I bought a timer and plugged the block heater into it, and set it for about 2 hours before I use the car each day. I would recommend switching to Synthetic for better cold starting as well.

Simpler=Better · #13 09-22-2008, 07:04 PM

I have two...one for the engine part of the circuit, the other for the cabin heater part or the coolant circuit....

Shorebilly · #14 09-23-2008, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

Also remember to switch out that 15W40 for 5W40 Synthetic if you have not already done so.

I also run Synthetic Lube Oil.....5W40......you would be surprised at the difference.....

SB

AdvisorGuy · #15 09-23-2008, 12:10 PM

I'm originally from northern New Jersey - 12 miles from the New York state line. I never plugged my SD in. When it was 25 or below, I simply cycled the ignition twice and it started without a problem.