PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - First Winter with MB Diesels (I am in NC)

F18 · #4 08-31-2006, 11:29 PM

Your glow plug relay and circut will glow your plugs for the proper amount of time based on temp. In extreme cold you can "double glow" the plugs by turning the ignition off and back on immediately after the first glow sequence ends (after the glow light turns off)...that will precondition the combustions prechamber to a higher temperature and assist in the initial start.
It takes alot of energy to start a diesel thats why the batteries are larger and put out more amp hours than a gas vehicles battery...so make sure your batteries are in tip top shape and trickle charge them occassionally overnight during the winter months.

Diesel Kleen is a fuel system purging product. You should use that as part of your maintenance routine ie. in the spring and fall. As I said your local fuel
distributor should concoct a blend of diesel based on a winter receipe suitable for your winter climate. In severe conditions like sustained 0 deg. weather you could dilute the diesel fuel with up to 20 to 25% kerosene to keep it from gelling up. When its thinned out it assists in cold starts by passing through injection system with little resistance. But your fuel economy will drop.
I hope that helps...I am sure others will give you some good tips to.
Cheers