Desperate ways to start an old high mileage diesel?
 

So tried starting the car at lunch time and NG. Yes I know the part about proper valve gap, etc... Not to concerned about the engine in this car as its knocking and I have a replacement. Starter fluid is a no no and it has a warning on the can, but has anyone tried little shots of it? Can you use it without the glow plugs or without giving the glowplugs a chance?
What else? WD-40, a small shot of gas?

May be time to just ebay this one as is.

Gotta a bunch of old junky cars, may just be time to get down to 1 decent one.

Dave

When my SD wouldn't start I would shoot it with a bit of starting fluid after pulling the GP fuse. Worked well.

I wouldn't do it to a good engine though.


My uncles old John Deere backhoe has an either button on the dash that you hit to help it light off when its cold.:D Thats a good diesel though, it starts in the 20's with no heaters, no GP's, nothing.

If its an old engine you don't care about use starting fluid with the Glow Plugs Disconnected.....then it would probably start....

Is this the wagon? Why Ebay it if you have a replacement engine? Have you checked the glowplugs for voltage and resistance?

dont recommend it but starting fluid works

if the engine is knocking and no good, why do you even car about starting it?

BTW, duty cycle on the starter is like 30 seconds. keep cranking for a good 10-15 at a time then let it cool off. eventually it should start to kick over. have you pumped the primer?

if it just kinda sputters keep the starter engaged for a few seconds til she runs on her own. my first Merc i had to do that...been sitting for like years....but ran fine after.

i'd use a dribble of RUG gas in the air cleaner instead of starter fluid

Yes, its the wagon. Ebay it because everywhere I look I have "junk cars" that need work, and I'm getting old for F N with cars after 12 hours at work just to get home to my other projects.

Sorry I'm having a down moment right now. New Years resolution number 68, no more down moments.

Thats what I was wondering....

I'd like to start it to get home for the big celebration before the wife and I fall asleep.

I was thinking I should check the voltage to the glowplugs.

It really only sounds like a very slight chance of a start with the first try. When I say slight it like very hard to even tell, but any attempts from the point on theres hardly anything going on.
I'm wondering if it will even start with the starter fluid.

BLock Heater
 

'Does the engine have a Block Heater?
'Plug it in for 6-7 hours,minimum.
'Glow and then see if it'll start.

(Hint...Ether is used on Direct Injection Diesels ONLY)
If you elect to use Ether/Starting Fluid [BIG No,No]and achieve "No Start",
just go ahead and drag out the Engine Lift and start unhooking equipment.

Tow starting is a "last ditch" method if its possible where you are. You have to get her up to, as i remember, 35 mph or so. If your sure the GPs are good and your getting fuel up to the injectors, give her a tow;)

I've heard of, don't try this at home kids, 2 batteries in series on that starter.

Sounds like a good way to fry a starter

Starter speed might be part of the problem, although I still don't think I'll do this right off.
What can I say, the car is tired and old.