Quote:
Originally Posted by 240Joe
Don't worry about compression or leak down tests. And don't change all the glow plugs just because. Make sure each glow plug meets the spec and make sure the voltage is getting to all of them.
Next in the list of cold starting tips is to make sure the battery is good and make sure the starter is good. Just because it turns doesn't mean a starter is good. When starters get old in these cars, they lose RPM and that can make all the difference in the world.
Another couple tips are to use synthetic oil and make sure the ground strap under the car is clean and tight (worth checking now if you haven't yet).
240Joe
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The glow plugs are all receiving good voltage and I tested all but number 5 (didn't have the right wrench yet to get it out) outside the block. They glow a nice bright orange. I never really wanted to change them 'just because', but I've heard a lot of people say that new one's will help.
I swiched to syn. oil and replaced the - battery cable and the end on the + cable at the battery (very easy to do and most corrosion in the cables seem to be at the battery). I think this may have helped a bit (maybe good for another 10 degrees). Now that I see my compression is good, maybe it is time to rebuild the starter (I always suspected it).
I'm pretty sure my battery is good. I know it's only a year old, but I suppose I could have killed it somewhere along the line (like when I drove it with no alternator for a while).