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  #1  
Old 02-23-2004, 02:42 AM
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240d cold start hell

In addition to the other bugs I'm trying to work out of my recently-purchased 240d (see other posts), I'm having serious cold start problems. The battery is relatively new and checks out "good." I recently replaced the glow plugs. The fuel filters were replaced just before I bought the car. I can't plug the car in, as I live in an apartment, but I can't believe that MB would design a car that can't be started without a heater below 32F...would they?? I'm wondering if maybe valves out of adjustment would account for it (it also gets apalling mileage: 23-24) Any suggestions on where to start?

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Old 02-23-2004, 07:23 AM
LarryBible
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You do not say what year this car is. Once we know whether you have pin or loop glow plugs, we can prescribe a course of action.

Have a great day,
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Old 02-23-2004, 08:01 AM
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a few things to check

Valve adjustment, fuel delivery timing, correct starting proceedure.
When I start mine in the cold (below 25) I wait about 25 seconds after the plug light goes out to crank the engine this is because the plugs continue to glow until the relay clicks off and the plugs are hotter.
Winter time diesel fuel has always caused a decrease of about 3 MPG for my benz. Yet I still get about 29 MPG at 246,000 miles with manual tranny. Using the 'search' will you a plethora of info on these topics.
There will also more help for you in the 'diesel discussion'.

thebern
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Last edited by thebern; 02-23-2004 at 08:12 AM.
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  #4  
Old 02-23-2004, 09:06 PM
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Re: 240d cold start hell

Quote:
Originally posted by bmc164
...but I can't believe that MB would design a car that can't be started without a heater below 32F...would they?? I'm wondering if maybe valves out of adjustment would account for it (it also gets apalling mileage: 23-24) Any suggestions on where to start?
My 240D without block heater started just fine after sitting overnight in -5F cold. I'd check valves, too. Also, 23-24 MPG is normal for an automatic, especially on winter diesel. 67BHP pulling 3250 pounds does affect MPG. Hang onto your 240. Not too many good ones left.
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Old 02-23-2004, 09:57 PM
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Oh yeah...the year: 1983. Also, I do let the glow plugs cycle. A local MB tech told me to let them cycle (wait for the pop) and give it no gas. One thing I found curious is that the owner's manual says to hold the pedal to the floor...what gives? ( I have been following the tech's reccomendation). It is hard to start under 50 and impossible under 30.
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Old 02-23-2004, 10:44 PM
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Is your glow plug light working? If not, it indicates a problem with the glow system.
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Old 02-23-2004, 10:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by bmc164
thing I found curious is that the owner's manual says to hold the pedal to the floor...what gives? ( I have been following the tech's reccomendation). It is hard to start under 50 and impossible under 30.
I always hold the pedal to the floor when it's 10 degrees or below. Starts every time.
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  #8  
Old 02-23-2004, 10:59 PM
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Go ahead and adjust the valves. This is a common cause for hard starting MB diesels, yet it's often overlooked.
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  #9  
Old 02-24-2004, 08:37 AM
LarryBible
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Okay, we now know that you have pin type glow plugs.

Start by checking for voltage at the glow plugs using a DC voltmeter while someone turns on the ignition switch. If there is voltage on all plugs, test for continuity. If there are any open, replace them especially number one that acts as the temp sensor.

If there is no voltage check the bar shaped fuse under the glow plug cover. It can look good but be cracked and actually open, so check with voltmeter.

Since the above is quick and easy to check, do it first. If you don't find anything wrong, check compression.

Hope this helps,

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