Block heater cord for 87 190D turbo? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jtn190d · #1 01-24-2011, 05:42 PM

Hey guys, I need help!

My car isn't starting on these cold days, -20F last night. I know I have the plug in the car but I need the cord. And the dealer says they can't get one. So I need to know if one from another mercedes will work? like maybe one off a w124? Or should I just buy the kit from Diesel Giant?

Thanks!
Justin

Aquaticedge · #2 01-24-2011, 06:16 PM

Email Phillip@peachparts or Roy@peachparts where I got mine from.

latitude500 · #3 01-24-2011, 06:18 PM

I'm not sure if the cord is the way to go or even if that old heating element still works. But I purchase my in hose heater from Diesel Giant some time ago and I don't have any complaints. It warms up the car by about 30 degrees and it was easy to install.

casioqv · #4 01-24-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtn190d

My car isn't starting on these cold days, -20F last night. I know I have the plug in the car but I need the cord.

My 227k mile 190D Turbo starts relatively easily at -20F... if yours doesn't then there's something wrong besides needing a block heater.

Do all your glow plugs work? Is your starter motor and battery in good shape? Does your engine have poor compression, burn oil, or have a lot of blowby? Is your injection timing correct? Have you tried holding the throttle to the floor while cranking?

IMO relying on a block heater isn't a good solution, because you can't always guarantee you'll park somewhere where you can plug it in. They're great to have and use for quicker starting, quicker heat, etc. but not great to rely on as a crutch to get your engine started.

casioqv · #5 01-24-2011, 06:54 PM

I've always found this ponton starting instructions graphic amusing, but the advice probably would work in a pinch (pre-heat the battery and coolant indoors).

punkinfair · #6 01-24-2011, 07:17 PM

most block heater cords are universal. they all the same pinout and form factor. no real need to buy it from an MB specialist. the only thing you need to know should be if you need a straight end or 90-degrees end.

babymog · #7 01-24-2011, 07:23 PM

The block heater cord is available from lots of places. The one I've been sent by an on-line supplier is the same one that Autozone sells, as well as others, and looks like the one pictured above.

The original cord on the other hand, Zerostat IIRC, has a round rubber end with an aluminum lock-ring which screws on to the block heater and keeps the connector sealed. I bought mine at a Detroit Diesel dealer.

It is unlikely that the block heater will have any problems, since it's apparently never had a cord it is probably in like-new condition in there.

punkinfair · #8 01-24-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casioqv

IMO relying on a block heater isn't a good solution

i don't agree. living in the great white north you use a block heater even on a gas engine. it's the overnight period when the engine is idle and the temperature is at the lowest point of the day and for the longest stretch, this is why we use them and rely on them. the car might start without being plugged in overnight but first morning startup is much easier on the engine if it's plugged in overnight. for one thing the oil is thinner so it flows better and the engine turns over more easily. so a block heater is a fine thing to rely on because it helps your engine. the cold is brutal on machines and anything you do to keep the machine even a bit warmer is doing the machine a favour.

casioqv · #9 01-24-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkinfair

the car might start without being plugged in overnight but first morning startup is much easier on the engine if it's plugged in overnight.

You misunderstood the intent of my post. I was saying one should use a block heater, but one should ideally not rely on it. A healthy diesel engine should be able to start without one in cold down to about -40 F, but you can and should still use one anyway to make starting easier.

I think block heaters are often used on diesels as a "crutch" for fixable problems like bad glow plugs, worn starters, worn injectors, etc. which leaves the driver potentially stranded if they end up having to park a long time somewhere without access to an electrical outlet.

Although if the starting problem were due to poor compression in an engine that can start in the weather where you have 99% of the time, then it probably does make sense to rely on a block heater rather than rebuild the engine for the odd unusually cold winter day. Still, I would personally want to know *why* my car can't start in -20F rather than just add a block heater and forget about it since the OM602 is absolutely designed to start on it's own at those temperatures.

Hit Man X · #10 01-24-2011, 08:07 PM

Bought mine from the dealer, was not too expensive.

Make sure it is the thread on style for the 60x style motors.

I do not not need it, but it helps the car start easier, heat faster, etc. I even have factory extended glow on mine too.

Jtn190d · #11 01-24-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casioqv

My 227k mile 190D Turbo starts relatively easily at -20F... if yours doesn't then there's something wrong besides needing a block heater.

Do all your glow plugs work? Is your starter motor and battery in good shape? Does your engine have poor compression, burn oil, or have a lot of blowby? Is your injection timing correct? Have you tried holding the throttle to the floor while cranking?

IMO relying on a block heater isn't a good solution, because you can't always guarantee you'll park somewhere where you can plug it in. They're great to have and use for quicker starting, quicker heat, etc. but not great to rely on as a crutch to get your engine started.

Actually one of the glow plugs isn't working but it's a real nuessence to change. But its usually only a problem to start the car after a very cold night.

Jtn190d · #12 01-24-2011, 08:17 PM

Thanks so much guys for the fast response's!

I think I'll buy like a ten dollar one online and try it! If it doesn't work I'll get the one from Diesel Giant.