I live in tropical Boston as i write it's 2 out with 30mph wind and has been for a week. My 300D (123) will not start, have had it plugged in, use anti-gell evey tank but this almost sounds like fuel related. Question, can/should I use a dy gas as well as anti-gell per tank. Awaiting AAA as we speak.
thanks

Greetings from equally tropical Wisconsin. If you are buying fuel locally,its going to be a blend of diesel fuel and kerosene. That should be fine without anti-gel additives down to about -10 deg F. Once fuel is "gelled", no additive will make it any different. It has to be warmed above the point where it gelled. Normally a trip to the shop for a change of fuel filters and a little warm-up indoors works wonders. Remember that failed starting attempts can wash the oil from the cylinder walls. If the compression is marginal you only have a couple of tries to start it with any hope of getting it to run in cold weather.

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W.R.Durrance
ASE Master Tech
Mercedes Tech 19 Years

re - Remember that failed starting attempts can wash the oil from the cylinder walls.

I'm having problems for the first time and have ruled out glow plugs and gelling, which leaves frozen water in fuel...
Anyway, thanks for the point above - I hope I didn't damage my engine after repeated recharging and starting attempts to no avail.
Just have let it sit and wait for warmer weather....

Put it inside and replace the fuel filters. Use a hair drier to warm the fuel lines on top of the engine and make sure the glow plugs are glowing and the fuse in the glow plug relay is OK. Glow it 3 times on and off then try to start. You may have someone pump the primer while starting.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM