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  #1  
Old 11-29-2008, 12:44 PM
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82 300sd will not start below 22degrees F

Can anyone give me some suggestions.The car starts above 22 degrees ok.Below 22 it either wont start or if I lucky it takes forever.Once it is running it runs ok.I turn the key on and wait for the glow plug light to go off and I try to start.Should I wait 30 seconds after the light goes off before I crank to start like I read on another post? What is the proper way to start the car? The valves were adjusted about 5000 miles ago.I tested one glow plug and it read .6 ohms.Do I need to disconect the wire from each one to test them? If it reads .6 ohms does that mean it is good? When should it be replaced? Does the relay determine the lenght of time the glow plug is energized? As in if it is very cold should the glow plugs stay lit longer? I don't know how this system works.I have a new battery and alternater.Should the valve lash be checked again? Any help would be appreciated.

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  #2  
Old 11-29-2008, 01:04 PM
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You can leave the wires attached. Good plugs should read less than 1 ohm resistance. Relay does determine how long plugs glow. I believe there is a temperature sensor that controls the length of time. Waiting longer will help in cold weather although 22 degrees is not that cold. Most 617's start pretty well at that temperature if everything is working correctly. Synthetic oil is a great starting aid in cold weather. If it is very cold, you can wait until you hear the glow relay click off and then glow a second time.
Build up of carbon around the glow tips can hinder cold start effectiveness so if you replace any glow plugs, use a reamer before installing the new ones.
Block or lower radiator hose heaters are a great cold starting aid.
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  #3  
Old 11-29-2008, 01:21 PM
RAYMOND485
 
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Glow plugs

1984 300d 148k turbo
pull the cover off top left side engine fender relay box and pull the 5 pin connector off and check ea. Pin for .6 ohm or less, may be one glow plug is open. M-rcedessource.com you can order the extra one min time glow plUG relay
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  #4  
Old 11-29-2008, 03:38 PM
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If you can get a copy of the owner's manual, it describes the proper way to start, and other good things to know.
If it's quiet enough when you're starting up, you can hear the glow plug relay click off at about 40 seconds. If you can't hear it, try having the dome light on; it will get brighter when the glow plugs stop using current.
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  #5  
Old 11-29-2008, 05:58 PM
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Might run some Power Service diesel suppliment through it too. Its pretty common to pick up some water in the fuel tank this time of year, a little water frozen in the fuel filter would keep the car from starting... Gelled fuel would do the trick too. That'd be more likely if you didn't drive a lot and might have some summer fuel left in the tank.
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Old 11-29-2008, 08:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cummins steve View Post
.Should I wait 30 seconds after the light goes off before I crank to start like I read on another post? .

You should wait 30 seconds from the point where you first energized the plugs. Then, start the engine.

If this fails to give you the start capability you seek, replace all five plugs........no matter what the resistance values state.
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  #7  
Old 11-29-2008, 09:17 PM
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Check all five plugs. I know from experience that at that temperature, one bad plug will affect starting.
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  #8  
Old 11-29-2008, 10:04 PM
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Had the same problem on my '81 300SD. Switched to 5w oil for the winter months and it fixed it. After about two winters it got harder and harder to start even with the lightweight oil and in not very cold weather. Got the valves adjusted and now it starts perfectly with regular (not 5w) oil. FYI
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  #9  
Old 11-29-2008, 11:18 PM
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check your compression. Low compression readings will cause your car not to start in cold weather. As suggested by someone else make sure you arent using heavy oil. you can hook up a block heater as well.
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  #10  
Old 11-30-2008, 12:17 AM
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Mines acting the same way. I have new plugs in it but its been about 20k since the valve adjustment. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but you might want to check the adjustment, you may have a cylinder off.
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  #11  
Old 11-30-2008, 12:54 AM
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I second the use of 5W40 oil, makes a huge difference. if your plugs are bad, no oil is gonna make a difference.
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  #12  
Old 11-30-2008, 08:22 PM
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Thanks for all the replys.I have removed all the injectors and see all the glow plugs working.I noticed they stay energized for about 25 seconds.I thought the car should be started affter the light goes out in the dashboard which is about 7 seconds. Should I wait the 25 seconds before attempting to start? Should I have the injectors tested while they are out or is it not related to the cold start issue since it runs ok after it starts.Do the valves go out of ajustment after 5000 miles? How often do the valves need valve lash checked? I 'm just trying to exhaust some possibilities. If I still have cold start issues after these things I addressed,I don't know what to do. But I have never tried to wait 25 seconds to start. I tried cycling the glow plugs twice,7 seconds each time but it made no differance. Is 25 seconds the right time before cranking to start? I thought you should crank it when the light goes out? Thanks for any help,Steve.
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  #13  
Old 11-30-2008, 08:30 PM
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7 seconds is too short in cold weather. Wait 30 seconds.
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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  #14  
Old 11-30-2008, 08:40 PM
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Is it cranking over fast enough?
I use a 15/40 and 5/40 synthetic blend, lower radiator hose heater and a battery warmer.
Cranks like it's 75 degrees in 5 below weather
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  #15  
Old 12-01-2008, 05:46 AM
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Yeah, go ahead and wait for the full glow cycle. Even twice. Test all plugs with an ohm meter, just because they glow visually, does mean they are getting all the heat they're meant to.
Valves should be OK, if you have the injectors out, you may want to have them checked for a spray pattern, and pressure.

Good luck.

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