Cold weather starting problems - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dristar · #1 11-08-2003, 11:11 AM

Recently the weather got realy cold and I have been having a tough time starting my 1977 300D.

I did have some glow plug issues that seem to be straightened out for now. Still haven't replaced the old style loop with the new quick start ones (that is my next project).

The wire leading to my engine block heater had gotten damaged at the engine block and so wasn't working. It should have been obvious but it was ackward to reach. Once this was fixed no more starting problems. I leave it plugged in over night.

Does anyone know where I can get additional heater for my engine. I think VW makes one that attaches to the oil pan.

samiam4 · #2 11-08-2003, 01:00 PM

Those factory block heaters work well- I don't think you need another one...

Your pretty vague about your starting problems. What was the low temperature that night?? I mean we are talking 2 completly different beasts if it's 5 C or -30 C.

I would guess that upgrading to the pencil type glow-plugs would make a huge difference. Battery and charging system must be in spec. Valve adjustment must be correct.

Michael

dristar · #3 11-08-2003, 01:13 PM

It was about -3 C and the car would not start not even a cough.

The problems I had were the first glow plug was shorting out but after cleaning out the prechamber with a magnet to get rid of little pieces of burnt out glow plugs and replacing a couple of the ceramic insulators this was no longer the problem.

I will take your advice and not get any additional heaters.

Would you leave the engine block heater plugged in all night or would putting it on a timer to turn on for a couple of hours be enough? Assuming it doesn't get much colder than -3 C.

fj bertrand · #4 11-08-2003, 04:17 PM

Change the oil to synthetic 5w-30?

It gets to 15 below F here in upstate Penna and if its that cold I use a hair dryer to heat the air going in and it works to start my 79 300sd.

diesel don · #5 11-08-2003, 07:24 PM

Three hours on a timer is sufficient for bitter cold. I have mine all come on at 3 a.m. or so and they are pipping hot by 6 a.m.

The pan heater doesn't do much. If your block heater is functioning properly, it is great.

Don

kerry · #6 11-08-2003, 07:38 PM

If you've got the original starter in that motor, that may be your problem. It may not be turning the motor fast enough. My wife's 77 300d had that problem. I replaced the starter with the newer heavy duty starter designed for the turbo models (availabe on Fastlane--look for 80's 300d turbo)and it spins the motor quite a bit faster. We haven't had temperatures below about 20 degrees F yet so I don't have empirical verification yet at cold temperature. But it definitely turns the motor faster at 20 degrees.

samiam4 · #7 11-10-2003, 12:54 PM

I'd say use the pencil style glow plugs,

In my car without a block heater- synthetic makes a world of difference. Many ppl say even 15W50 synthetic oil will get you 10 degrees lower starting. Everything has to be right for cold weather starting-plus a little skill on the operator.

Get the later pencil style glowplugs. I believe they are special to retro an earlier OM617. I think that should get you reliable starts down to 5-10F.

Mine is a bit worn(315,000 miles) and starts to get difficult around 20F.

Michael

190D22 · #8 11-10-2003, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dristar
Once this was fixed no more starting problems. I leave it plugged in over night.

Does anyone know where I can get additional heater for my engine. I think VW makes one that attaches to the oil pan.

Why do you need the additional heater if there's no more starting problems???