PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - can you start w/o glow plugs in hot climates?

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For diesel engines in perfect running condition, generally, indirect injection (pre combustion chamber) engines always need glow plugs for a cold start, unless you want to over work the starter unnecessarily. Direct injection engines (w/o pre combustion chambers) do not need glow plugs for cold starts down to around 32 F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech (Post 3490241)

Cylinder condition... 450 psi compression will fire up without plugs... 200 psi, not so much...

This.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Stokes (Post 3490231)

My buddy has a 7.3 Ford?Navistar and he has to glow for every start, even with a warm engine in the heat of summer. I guess some engines need it a lot, some a little, and some rarely. I wonder if it's a function of combustion chamber design, fuel delivery, or ??

Interesting that Charlie's 240D fires right up but the 300D (seemingly the same engine + 1 cylinder) needs it all the time. Is it variable from engine to engine of inherent in certain configurations?

Head scratching.......

Dan

Dan,
have your buddy check out this site, some good info on the 6.9 and 7.3.

Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

The 240 is almost at 378K miles, the way she starts even when it was down to 12 deg at night and sitting out doors, she kicks over w/o much complaining. Amazing engine.

The 300d was the old engine at 331K miles, ran good, not much oil usage.
Then the Timing chain decided not to keep up with the rest of the mechanical parts at 65mph. :(
I know compression is an important factor and Valve adj. never did a compression test on it though.

Charlie

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech (Post 3490241)

Cylinder condition... 450 psi compression will fire up without plugs... 200 psi, not so much...

Probably ought to measure my compression one of these days.

Dan