Thank God for a healthy and easy starting engine! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

190D22 · #1 01-11-2003, 10:31 AM

Today I go out to start my car, I preheat as I usually do, wait about 10-15 seconds after the light goes out, push the pedal to the floor, and crank it. Well it did this and I heard very weak cranks, so I let off. Preheated again, pushed the pedal to the floor and cranked. It gave a verrry weak turn and the engine fired right up. The thermometer on the dash said -7.5C. Which is the coldest I've started it in yet this year. I notice after a bit that my dome light hadn't shut off. Then it hit me that I left my dome light on all night in the cold. I feel so stupid!

So I drove it for 30 minutes or so and it should be good now. I am so greatful that my engine starts as easy as it does. If it were like the 300D that parks next to me everyday, it would have not started. His engine is in need of some work.

P.E.Haiges · #2 01-11-2003, 12:45 PM

I had a 240D like that. If the battery was discharged, the engine would start even if the battery had just enough energy to crank the engine slowly.

P EH

#3 01-14-2003, 06:55 PM

Some need a lot of cranking, some need little...my car needs half a full power crank on a 40 degree day...it starts pretty good down to about 25 degrees. After that its a crap shoot. Especially with overnight temps reaching into the teens...I plug in or park inside.

EC93SE · #4 01-14-2003, 08:58 PM

I just bought my '82 240D about a month ago and I typically engage the starter immediately after the glow plug light goes out. Always fires right up even after sitting outdoors in the parking lot all day with negative 20 wind chills. I've had several VW diesels that have given me mixed results in these conditions but this is my first MB diesel. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with this car.

190D22 · #5 01-14-2003, 09:03 PM

Yeah, I've heard that Rabbit Diesels need to be plugged in when it's 32 out. Mine does fine, it's just that I take a short trip in the morning, so I plug it in to ease cold starting wear and tear, and also so the car is hot when it is time to shut it off (about 15 minutes tops, mostly Idling)!

Though wind chill does not affect your car. It could be (if it were possible) 30 degrees out and a wind chill of 20 below, the car will not act any different. But I know what you mean, it was pretty cold.

I'm just so happy how easy it starts, last winter was hell with dead GPs!

#6 01-14-2003, 10:35 PM

owing a 1980 300d , generally from oct 15th until april 1 , i had pluging the circulating HEATER AT NIGHT ....... THE 1987 300TD HAS BEEN PLUGGED THE LAST 2 NIGHTS..... FIRST TIME THIS WINTER....... TEMP AS I WRITE IS -32 WITH WINDCHILL IS - 42c WHICH IS APPROX -40 F.... THE 1987 300D IS THE BEST STARTING DIESEL I HAVE OWNED, I HAVE HAD FORD,CHEVY, ISUZU, VOLKSWAGEN, PERKINS(COMBINE) VOLVO( TRACTOR)(DIESELS...............MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT BY DIESELS BECAUSE OF OUR WINTER WEATHER IN CANADA........ AC....