If the vacuum line to the shut-off valve is disconnected, the key can be turned off and removed from the ignition switch (without shutting the engine off), thereby locking the steering wheel.

Lower radiator hose heaters are not as good as block heaters..
So if you are able and willing to hook up to 110 volts why not install the block heater ?

lower radiator hose heater?
'splain!!!!!

__________________
Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)

If the car is in a garage, it should stay warm enough to start. If it doesn't, it's time to check your battery, glow plugs, make sure you have the right oil, etc.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.

You can buy a heater which can be installed in your car by cutting the lower radiator hose and clamping it there...
lots of threads in the archives.. easy search...

graci!

__________________
Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)

Dammit.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

See what I mean? If you install one, he will say you are smart!

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

I have one installed on mine, and it does help when you use it. Mine starts ok without it, but when I have an outlet available....I use it.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesblockheaterinstall.htm

__________________
1985 300D Turbo
"Evolution is God's way of giving upgrades" Francis Collins

I'd never leave my car running unattended. I don't even like leaving it unattended when its off!

Also, in an overnight period you're going to blow through about $7-9 of diesel, thats pretty expensive! And the engine will get all carbon'd up inside, its not good to let it idle like that.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

i leave mine running all the time.. just make sure you lock the doors and that the wheel is locked as well. it can run forever (if you could figure out a way to change the oil while it was running it really could).

__________________
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

There is almost no carbon monoxide in diesel. YOu cannot poison yourself with it. The stink is bad but not nearly leathal. I have let them run overnight more than once when on a trip staying in a motel in sub zero weather....and all day when at work in subzero weather.

they will use much less than a gallon an hour.....maybe a gallon or two in eight hours.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I left my 1985 300SD run five days, no issues.

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


Have a great day

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

a little electric heater in the garage isnt going to cost anymore then the expense of running the engine all night
But what are you going to do next day at work as it sits out in the parking lot all day

__________________
commercial fisherman diesel in my blood in my boats trucks and Dear old Dad has had me drivin them since i got my first license in 1968
1986 300 SDL 427654
1999 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 225423
1986 300 SDL 287000 Dad's
1987 190 Turbo 158000 Mom's (my inheritance)