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#16
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Saaay, Along time ago, well, last year I think, there was a discussion about a remote starter for diesel vehicles. At one point I think the option of a timer or a temp. actuated device was discussed, and it sounded like a prototype was not too far into the future.
What ever happened to this gadget? -Larry
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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein 09 Jetta TDI 1985 300D |
#17
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Regarding the Espar heater: I have a friend who installed one on is VW jetta diesel. Works like a top, takes little power and burns little diesel. it can be programed to come on at any time and run for how ever long you want. Great rig for any diesel in a cold climate. Ya it is expensive but so is you diesel engine. One cold start does damage that may not show up for years but the damage is done. One expert gave me this to think about. One cold start at 0'F with 15-40 oil is the same as 1000hrs of engine use. Consider that as you save the 50c on your power bill by not using some sort of preheat.
Cheers
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Mark 82 300SD 110k 91 Caprice SS 92 Jetta TD 97 Cadillac Concours(300hp) 84 Celebrity 4.3L diesel |
#18
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Your car should start in 10 degree weather if everything is up to spec. Is your compression poor since you have 369,000 miles on the car? How about the battery-I used a large Interstate battery in my 1983 300D that really turned the engine over. Have you had the valves adjusted recently to maximize compression for starting? How about the glow plugs-are they functioning properly or in need of replacement? Synthetic oil would also be worth a try but many have indicated that it can cause leaks to appear on higher mileage cars. Have you tried waiting longer after the glow plug light goes off before trying to start the car? It is my understanding that the glow plugs will continue to heat for a certain time after the light goes out.
Bob I. 1983 300D (May 1983 to May 2000) |
#19
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Bush pilots in Alaska have a little trick. When they park a plane out in the bush if they know it is going to be real cold they will drain the oil while it is still warm. Then when they are ready to go they will heat the oil until it is piping hot, pour it back in the engine, and fire it up. You could do this. Just think what a conversation starter it would be at the trail head or ski lodge to be warming up a big ol' pan of black motor oil over a roaring wood fire next to your trusty MB.
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#20
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Cold Day Starting
Well Guys I have been around Diesels all my life and I am quite familiar with Espar's Hot Shots and all sorts of cold start assistants. I am also familiar with inverters and deep cycle batteries as I have one installed for power in a big rig. Anyway an inverter will not work. You would need a 1500 watt or so with at least 8 6v batteries wired in series parallel to get the time required to heat up the block enough to start. Then you would need a way to recharge them back up. Not practical or cheap. Next catalyst heaters, Espar Hot Box etc.. Don't go there, Very Expensive! Meant for big rigs. So next your best bet is a small Gen set. 1000-1500watt. These are getting reasonable now. Probably get one at a pawn shop or home depot if you want to splurge. Keep it in the trunk, pull it out and start it up and plug it in. You could keep a small ceramic heater to warm up the inside while you wait. It should not take that long to warm up enough to start if your battery is top shape and good fuel treated with a little anti gel. You could also install a dipstick heater to warm the oil and speed up the process. Nothing is easy, diesels are wonderful but have their downfalls. Anyway one thing you should not use is either, unless you are desperate. No matter what people tell you it will ruin your engine sooner or later. WD40? never heard that one before, not sure I would use that. Any questions feel free to contact me. Hope this helps.
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#21
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Resurecting a very old thread
for new member education.
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