It is too early for the block heater... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-07-2002, 09:46 AM

If the glow plugs are in good shape, it should start without the block heater at that temperature. I personally, however, would use the block heater any time possible to minimize cold weather start up damage.

I would bet a dollar to a hole in a donut that if you put in four new glow plugs this problem will go away. Before doing that, you might put a voltmeter on one of the glow plug connections and turn on the key. Ensure that there is voltage there. If there is, repalce all four glow plugs and you will be very glad you did.

Good luck,

#2 12-07-2002, 10:06 AM

Grr...Today it was 16 degrees out...prolly much colder overnight...I didn't plug in and car wouldn't start....grr...Ive been putting it in the garage recently and it starts fine. I think my battery is weak...one cell is bubbling...it will charge and have full power for about 3-5 days and then it seems the power drops off. It started like clockwork before...should I expect it to start without a heater? An hour and a half seems to do it.

190D22 · #3 12-07-2002, 10:47 PM

I am with larry that using the block heater, even though my owner's manual says you only need it when it gets down to 10F, when it's 'cold' out is a good idea. I am going to put a timer on it to run it for 3 or 4 hours before I need to leave in the morning. Since my tranny seals are not what they used to be (sealing correctly)

the block heater is an even better idea now. Heats the tranny up a little which means it will shift better when I get going.

#4 12-08-2002, 09:02 AM

In the morning it was 16 degrees...overnight it was much colder...probably in the teens. My battery is not that great either.

#5 12-08-2002, 09:15 AM

TANK,

The reason the heater is good for the engine is that the vast majority of engine wear occurs during cold start ups. The oil is stiff and the engine grinds longer with little or no oil flow.

By preheating the engine, the oil will flow even at cranking speed and the engine will start sooner, bringing up the oil flow even further.

In a gas engine there is an additional element. If the engine is warm, the fuel is much more readily atomized and burned rather than hitting the cylinders in liquid form which washes the oil from the cylinder walls. A similar effect occurs in a diesel if the engine is not firing, the fuel accumulates in the cylinders and washes the oil from the cylinder walls.

Have a great day,