Had a problem with my 2.4D (in a Land Rover!) not starting below 40 deg. psfred suggested the starter wasn't cranking fast enough. I carry a spare starter (among other things) as I tend to travel far-afield and took the time to install it Thursday. The engine and it's old starter have been in for two years and always sounded the same when I cranker it over, however the new starter turns over at least twice as fast. It started un-aided Friday morning at 28deg!!! Thanks for the help!!

Jim

Jim:

Quite a vehicle you have there!

The two biggest starting problems on older diesels otherwise in decent shape are tired starters and leaking suction lines that let air into the IP. Many an old MB diesel is in the dump because it needed and "engine rebuild", in reality a new starter.

The only caveat is that a "standard" starter rebuild (new brushes and bushings, turn commutator, clean and lube) won't fix most tired diesel starters -- the resistance in the windings goes up and they won't go fast enough. The armature must be replaced. Current draw goes through the roof (950 amps is normal!), battery goes flat in no time, no start.

Minimum rpm to start in cold weather is 100 rpm, against 21:1 compression and cold oil. Quite a feat for a direct drive starter!

I've been using Mobil 1 in everything here -- makes winter starting much easier!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!