Cold start issues
 

Hi folks

A little early to be raising this issue but winter IS coming. Last winter, I had a lot of trouble starting my 87 300D last winter and got stuck several times. Plugged in, it starts great of course! But I can't stay plugged in at work or at the airport.

I have tried flushing the system with BG cleaner and filters and purges. I haven't messed with the glow plugs yet but may just switch them out.

The symptoms are:

When cold, I cycle the key 3-6 times (to allow the glow plugs to warm up), then the car will fire up and run for about 10 seconds and die, then I can't for the life of me get her to start again ... almost like flooded in gasoline cars.

Would apprciate some pointers on what to check or replace. This is my winter vehicle .. does awesome in the snow .. but I can't keep getting stranded. If there are locals that are willing to help, I'd be willing to pay for your time/expertise on this! Love the car but I am kind of a newbie to diesels.

Thanks!

It is almost certainly a GP issue. Mine will start with one complete glow cycle at 9f. (Because some dumba** forgot to plug it in on the coldest day last year) I would spend the time to check the plugs. Most likely you have more than one bad.

Do you let it glow until you hear a click as the relay shuts off?

Certainly called that one didn't you :D


:huepfenic

If it starts but won't stay running, is it still a glow plug issue? If so, disconnect the violet wire from the small connector into the glow relay for brute force afterglow.

Sixto
87 300D

it's starting on a few warmed pots, then stalling, and the cold pots are now flooded with diesel fuel, and cannot start.
get new glow plugs in there, (and on the 603 with that manifold in the way, do ALL 6!!!) and you will be pleased with the start times!

I knew I came to the right place. Thanks for answering and not flaming a newbie! I suspected GP issue (which is why I called it out as unchecked yet). But I couldn't understand why it would start and then die right away was the issue. vstech's answer makes perfect sense! I searched quite a bit and there's another symptom that points to GP - it kind of "misfires" when cold, when it warms up it's fine! Now Ijust need to search the forums to find the best type of GP and best place to purchase! :)

Also one more thing, are there any fuel additives (or other fuel like Kerosene) that may help starting in the cold?

Thanks guys!

where do you live? Alaska? Minnesota? unless it gets below -20F for extended times, fuel additives are not needed if you are using pump diesel. the fuel will be treated for the climate you drive in. some of the PowerService products will aid with combustion, and give you a tad more power when running, but starting is all up to the glow plugs, and the pistons in the motor.
Beru and Bosch are the only good plugs. and especially on the 603, you should have the holes reamed to remove carbon buildup so the plugs last as long as possible.

I put all 6 in mine (Bosch) for a little over $100. Now I know it can be done with the manifold in place, However it will take a little time and patience.

As far as the additive, If the car is going to be sitting for weeks on end sure. But Like VS said the area in which you live (if it gets cold enough) will already have the blended fuel.

I live in SE Pa and ours changed over last week.(and the price went up 12 cents a gallon)

Thanks again for the information! I live in Colorado. Last December we saw 2-3 days of -20F ... not so common but did see a few days of below -10F. Yes, I am aware the State will put things in the fuel to aid but my thought is that those would be minimal. If there are things that can aid starting, then that is even better. I like to keep my cars as healthy as possible :). The reamer is good advice .. thanks ... I have done some searching and it seems Ebay and Mercedes....source (forbidden name I think) are probably the best places to get the tool. I read also that fuel lines can be kept in place to replace the GPs.

I was going to sell my 300D but think I will hang on to her now. Had plans to put in a VNT turbo ... got the turbo and everything ... can't stand the low end lag even after messing with the ALDA. It was getting smoky until I switched to my homebrewed biodiesel blend :) .. anyway just another thing I need to research more thoroughly .. I am sure I can find answers on this forum ;)

Thanks all!