In this freezing weather, my 78 240D wouldn't turn over. The heating block is plugged into electricity for at least 3 hrs. to heat diesel before attempting to start. It will start immediately when being given a jump by another car. Can anyone recommend a jump starter or charger?

Also, on another thread someone said to check voltage between cells before charging. Does anyone know how to do this?

Thank you in advance for your time and advice.


78 240D
79 300SD

I would disconnect the cables and chage it. Then take it to Autozone or somewhere that can test it.

It sounds like you battery has a dead cell, but testing it should tell.

If it tests good clean the battery terminals and the inside of the cables before you put them back on. Cold and wet weather can cause a resistance build up at your battery cable connections.

Pooka

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871230000P

I got one of these @ Sears for $60 on clearance. Best $60 I ever spent. Battery on my 4.5 can be almost 100% dead, I put it on 40 for 10 mins then it'll start right up on the 200 amp setting.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

The Deltran Battery Tender Plus.It does a quick hard charge, to desulfate the plates, then goes into a trickle charge, to FULLY charge the battery,and then goes through an individual cell check, and equalization, then goes into a float charge, so can safely be left on indefinitely, and goes off and on automatically, as when a car is stored for a season.
It is intelligent, if you put it on reverse polarity, it will not spark,(no danger of explosion),and gives you a red light- indicating inabillity to charge.
If you put it on correctly, and get a red light, it means the battery will never charge, and is shot.They have really nifty polarity correct plugs, that are rubber capped,and can be left on the Benz, hanging out the grille, without fear of corrosion,(or damage to the car).
The little polarity plugs are available seperately, for about 6.00 , as I recall, so you can leave one on the Benz, on the motorcycle, or on the motorhome, and simply plug in from the outside of the vehicle, without opening the hood, taking off the side cover, or fumbling around in the weather.
It only charges at the rate of 1 amp per hour,but when the light goes green, you will have a better battery than you had when new.You have to avoid the temptation to remove it early, it flashes green at 80 % charge, but when it goes steady green, you got some power!Because of the low charge rate, it will not hurt the smallest 12 volt, and will charge the largest, given enough time.Also available in 6 volt.
When I buy any battery, I bring it up to full charge , before using.
You can find it at most motorcycle dealers,or if you call they will send direct, or tell you the nearest dealer.
The phone is 386-736-7900, Deltran Corporation, or www.batterytender.com
I have no affiliation, but obviously am pleased.Mine was 60.00 at full list.
Best of luck. Mark

Thanks everyone for your time and advice. Yesterday (before being able to get back on the computer to read advice) I went to Auto Barn where they sold me a black and decker jump starter. After reading the directions, it said never jump start a frozen battery. Its in the teens here. I'm assuming that the battery is frozen. From everyone's advice, it seems that a slow charge is the best way to go after getting the battery checked.

Again, everyone's time and input is greatly appreciated.




78 240 D
79300sd

You still have not fixed the problem.The car was designed to start well , even in your conditions.Fix the source.
By the way, you are risking damage to the car, and blowing your face off,using a jumper.Battery gas is flamable, and all it takes is a spark.
Be sure when you hook up the jumper you connect positive first, then negative.
When you remove, negative off first, then positive off.
Also, it aint no fun doing all this in that kind of weather.If you install a block heater, and are near enough to plug in, your heater would work as soon as you get in the car.That would be a solution you could live with.

Do what Mercedes reccomend,And I learnt in Russia one winter, Remove the battery overnight. Keep it in a warm place in the house .Connect a charger if you feel you need to .

You can also thin your oil by adding a liter of gasoline to the oil .Once the engine fires and is at temp it will evaporate quite safely. With your block heater this shouldn't be neccesary,but remember a block heater will not save your battery.