Our son drives our 84 300SD w/ 260K. Lives in Knoxville, TN

He had important appointment this morning so we called him at 6 am as requested. It's been unusually cold here in TN, 15 degrees F this morning.

So I asked him, "Did you plug your car in last night" He said, no, i never have and never have any problem starting. I just asked him how it went this morning. He said, started no problem. started once, and stalled, started again and ran perfectly.

so does this mean the old diesel engine is still in pretty good shape? or is 15 degrees not a challenge for it?

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R Martin
Dallas, TX (Addison)

86 560SEL, 128K

They should start with little trouble at 15F with working glow plugs, a good battery, and adjusted valves. I've started mine at about -5F without the block heater.

well ok then. all 3 items you mention have been regularly maintained

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R Martin
Dallas, TX (Addison)

86 560SEL, 128K

Good deal, he should be OK in any reasonable cold weather. When you get down near 0F, everything really has to be perfect. I still like to use the block heater if I expect it to get very cold; it's easier on the engine and I like to have heat sooner.