EMERGENCY, HELP - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mach4 · #16 08-02-2015, 08:48 PM

I don't have any experience with using ether but a quick bit of research on the topic turned up an important piece of information, specifically don't use ether on an engine that has glow plugs. If you want to try ether, make sure the glow plugs are disconnected to prevent explosion...and use it sparingly as has been suggested above.

Mxfrank · #17 08-02-2015, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Left Coast

This is important. Unless the system has been updated, the glow plugs are in series. One bad one means no light and no glow.

Yes, the problem is with the glow system. There are two possibilities...one bad glow plug can do this on a series-wired car. If you have tools, measure the resistance of each plug.

Or the glow plug fuse may be done. I'm not sure where the fuse is on your car, but on my '79 300CD it was in a small black box on the firewall. It's not in the regular fuse box, and it's not a "normal" fuse, but rather a strip of lead. I had this problem once, and not knowing what to do, called Mercedes service. They came out, shorted the fuse circuit with a crowbar and had me crank. Started up and I went home. Travelled with extra fuses after that.

Whiskeydan · #18 08-02-2015, 08:54 PM

If/when you hear one start up using ether you will question what damage was done doing so.
I've started 'em using a blow dryer in the air intake when the gp are bad.

Also, if you have a block heater you might try using it. Seems odd in the summer but if your compression is weak now every little bit helps.

toomany MBZ · #19 08-03-2015, 07:11 AM

If the car has the series type glow plugs and you have no dash light, you have a GP issue.

Maxbumpo · #20 08-03-2015, 08:43 AM

Eric, I've sent you a pm with my cell, give me a call and maybe I can swing by after work and help you figure out what's wrong.

Dan Stokes · #21 08-03-2015, 11:44 AM

Good job, Mr. Dillon. You get my "Attaboy" for the day.

Dan

Strand · #22 08-03-2015, 02:55 PM

Are you getting fuel to your injectors? I ended up stranded after a long drive last year, with very similar symptoms (runs fine -> crank but no start the next morning). The culprit was air in the fuel lines. See if it'll start after an injector bleed?

eric.e · #23 08-03-2015, 02:59 PM

Just got off the phone with Star Motors here in Charleston. They said #4 glow plug has failed, and are replacing the lot of them. My Benz is so old it doesn't even have a GP relay.

Whew! I thought I blew the engine through my own idiot negligence! Close call.

Maxbumpo · #24 08-03-2015, 03:28 PM

Eric, glad you've got it under control. Do call me sometime, I drive through downtown to get home and can stop by your place easy / peasy.

Is Star Motors going to install the upgraded glow plug kit, with a relay and the newer pencil style glow plugs?

vstech · #25 08-03-2015, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric.e

My Benz is so old it doesn't even have a GP relay.

Yes it does... it is bolted to your steering column.

toomany MBZ · #26 08-03-2015, 08:04 PM

^ Correct.

barry12345 · #27 08-04-2015, 03:02 PM

Quick test if you have the squiggly wires between the glow plugs. Cycle them for say thirty seconds and get out with a wet tissue. Those squiggly wires should be hot enough to steam some moisture out of the tissue. Do not use a wetted finger as they can be really hot.

The old diesels seem to use somewhat more base oil at highway speeds or most of them do. You have to check it at every fill.

If the glow plug indicator always worked before and does not now. It would obviously be the glow plug system is out. Odds otherwise are very small.

Since you probably have no glow plug function and you prove it. A shot of quick start should get you mobile. You have someone turning over the engine and spray a little into the intake area with the air filter off.