tips for cold start - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hughowens · #16 10-30-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbArch

My '77 240D starts hard in colder weather. I've switched from B50 biodiesel, now using regular diesel (actually B5 around here) which helped for awhile. I have a block heater but the car is parked across the street and can't plug in at the moment.

It is not THAT cold here... 45°F this morning after a low of about 39° last night. I give it 3 GP cycles but no luck.

Would it be OK to pour boiling hot water on the block just to warm things up? I'd just like to get the thing started so that I can get it in to a mechanic to check the plugs, etc.

Cheers and TIA.

As usual, MarkM gives a thorough response and is the best post response.The first and easiest thing to do is check the valve clearance and you will also check the cam tower, crank mark timing. If you are more than 4 or 5 degrees, you will need a new chain or woodruff key to get the timing back to spec. Get rid of the loop glow plugs, buy a reamer to clean out the prechambers and buy the pencil plug conversion from Importec for $91. If that doesn't help you start, you have a tired engine.

Sbean · #17 10-30-2009, 11:10 AM

One easy way to tell when the glow cycle is over is to have the dome light on. When the glow plugs are drawing current, the light will be relatively dim. When the glow cycle ends, the dome light suddenly gets brighter. This works even when there's too much ambient noise to hear the relay click off.
Steve

Diesel911 · #18 10-30-2009, 11:11 AM

Pouring Boiling Water on the Engine will not help as there is just too much meatal to heat up and what little heat would be transfered is not inside of the Pre-combustion Chamber where it needs to be.

Remember, He did say his Car is parked where he has no access to an Electrical Outlet.

bobodaclown · #19 10-30-2009, 11:17 AM

These car's are designed in Germany. Overall cooler than the US in general. Sounds like you may be missing some routine maintenance. Hot water won't do anything. Try steps covered above. (maintenance items) Good luck.

leathermang · #20 10-30-2009, 08:50 PM

Hot water or Cold water sprayed on your INJECTION PUMP CAN RUIN IT...
the tolerances are that close inside....
So beware of the car wash...

agentw · #21 11-30-2009, 11:33 PM

Hi I haven't been on an auto forum before. If the car is only able to start in a mild climate - ie Vancouver 5-10 C right now - with a block heater plugged in beforehand does this mean the engine is bad or would it be battery/glow plugs as in this thread... sorry I don't know if I add a question here or where I should do that ! Thanks a lot if someone has any info.. jw

Graplr · #22 12-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agentw

Hi I haven't been on an auto forum before. If the car is only able to start in a mild climate - ie Vancouver 5-10 C right now - with a block heater plugged in beforehand does this mean the engine is bad or would it be battery/glow plugs as in this thread... sorry I don't know if I add a question here or where I should do that ! Thanks a lot if someone has any info.. jw

First thing to check is your glow plugs. Follow the tutorial here- http://www.dieselgiant.com/glowplugrepair.htm

Glow plugs are the reason for rough starts in not too cold of weather on our old diesels most of the time. If these check out fine or you replace them and still have issues then you can move down the checklist onto things like oil, valves, battery, starter, etc.

Also, update your signature with your car model. It helps when we try to give you advice. I assumed you have a 123 or 126 diesel for my advice to you.