PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Why shouldn't a Mercedes Diesel be left to Idle for long periods.

diesel don · #30 02-11-2004, 08:11 AM

Now this is a thread!

I'm approaching 200 hours of idling this winter in my 85 300TD alone. I'm doing this for three reasons:

1. Experiment to finally solve the argument. I had my Volvo D for 9 years and had to idle the crap out of it. Otherwise it wouldn't start. So far, so good

2. I have an occasional 'no start' issue. This doesn't worry me as my car is actually out in the parking lot running right now.

3. It's warm inside it right now!

I have been changing the oil more regularly (2k or less) BUT the great thing is that I can use regular Rotella rather than synthetic because I never need a cold start. Either its plugged in or running.

My favorite quote on the subject was from the guy who knew a farmer who started his every December and shut it off every March. I'm considering this for next year because I need a new experiment.
What does a guy have to lose? Worst case scenario is that a belt or hose goes and you blow the engine. Shucks, you have to go buy another one off ebay in the South where they have nice bodied-123's. Shucks.
We're already saving tons of cash from beating the system. All five of mine together are worth half of what I paid for a new *!#$^! domestic mini-van that blew a tranny at 60k.

Don