Cold Winter WIN - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ubertino · #1 01-20-2013, 10:47 PM

Since we only post when we have problems, I just wanted to share something different.

It's 14 degrees outside.

Any my 1982 300TD started without a block heater. Just glow plugs and a little bit of patience.

This makes me happy. And I had to share.

pawoSD · #2 01-20-2013, 11:03 PM

Yeah the real test is going to be Tuesday morning when supposedly its going to be -4F

If my 617 won't start I'll use the 190d...its a little better at cold weather starting.

I see you are right here in GR, only wagon I know of around here is about 3 blocks away in east GR.....that you?

Sygma6 · #3 01-21-2013, 01:18 AM

I had something along those lines when I went to Colorado for Christmas. My 300SD started immediately after running the glow plugs just once. It sat outside overnight in single digit temperatures. My old gal got a nice pat on the steering wheel for that.

Graplr · #4 01-21-2013, 10:19 AM

Glad it started for you but +14F isn't very cold for starting a 617. My record is -7F (with my 84 SD as I don't drive the 79 TD in the winter) and a fellow forum member did it in ~-20F with his 84 300TD a few years back.

Glows, lightweight oil, proper valve clearances and a good battery make all the difference.

ubertino · #5 01-22-2013, 07:21 AM

1 degree killed it. My oil is too thick, I think.

Oh well.

Graplr · #6 01-22-2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubertino

1 degree killed it. My oil is too thick, I think.

Oh well.

Are you using 15w40? Using 5w40 or 0w40 will give you the biggest improvement in cold starting assuming the glows are in good shape.

JamesDean · #7 01-22-2013, 02:42 PM

It was 7 degree this morning. The 300D (15W40) started up after the second attempt. I let the first one off before it had actually caught otherwise it would have been fine.

Silber Adler · #8 01-22-2013, 04:26 PM

It was 4 deg F today. My Benz wouldn't light up. Would only crank a few seconds. A second attempt would not turn the starter over. I put the charger on it and it would not peg the charger dropping to less than 2A in 20 minutes. A re-attempt did not improve. Must have a bad cell internal in the battery as the battery connectors and posts look good.

shadetree77 · #9 01-22-2013, 05:39 PM

got down to 15 F here, got the SD started on the 2nd try (had to push the accelerator a little). the oil pressure was actually pegged after about the 2nd revolution on the 1st try (15w40)

ubertino · #10 01-23-2013, 07:11 AM

As soon as u can figure out a way to start the car, it's going to get a winter weight oil. I think it's my problem, my valves are adjusted, injectors in perfect shape, and new glow plugs on all cylinders.

edge · #11 01-23-2013, 09:01 AM

My 83 300D started this morning at 10 degrees out. I changed the oil (Delvac 5-30) and 3 glow plugs 2 days ago when it wouldn't start in 35 degree weather. I couldn't leave wifey stranded in the ol' diesel after she talked about getting a new car.

Zacharias · #12 01-23-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubertino

As soon as u can figure out a way to start the car, it's going to get a winter weight oil. I think it's my problem, my valves are adjusted, injectors in perfect shape, and new glow plugs on all cylinders.

For the moment you need to apply heat to the equation, and ensure the battery is fully charged and cranking as fast as possible.

For heat: A basic step is to put an (incandescent) trouble lamp under the hood beside the injection pump for at least 3 hours, preferably longer, like overnight. That can have a surprising result.

Best idea would be to try to get a magnetic heater that you can attach to the oil pan. I actually keep one in reserve after my block heater died a few years ago in a cold snap.

Here is an example:
Kat's 1153 Handi-Heat 200 Watt Magnetic Heater : Amazon.com : Automotive

These are usually available through outlets like Pep Boys or perhaps even hardware chains (people in the northeast use them on outdoor heating oil tanks) -- though now is not the best time, they tend to sell out stock fast in a cold snap (voice of experience).

pawoSD · #13 01-23-2013, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubertino

As soon as u can figure out a way to start the car, it's going to get a winter weight oil. I think it's my problem, my valves are adjusted, injectors in perfect shape, and new glow plugs on all cylinders.

O-reilly auto parts on 28th street has a whole selection of heaters, I'd get the 200watt magnetic heater and stick it on the oil pan or block and let that run for a while.

Also, when its 1 degree, you should be doing about 40-60 seconds of glowing prior to even trying to start. I have had good luck so far with a super long glow cycle, as has my brother with his 300D.

eatont9999 · #14 01-23-2013, 11:48 PM

If your GPs and battery are good, you should have little problems starting at -10F. You may need to cycle the plugs 2 or 3 times but the car should start. Oil is a factor but more so is a cold battery. If I could heat one thing, besides GPs, it would be the battery. A slow, lopey starter crank is just a waste of battery juice.

pawoSD · #15 01-24-2013, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatont9999

If your GPs and battery are good, you should have little problems starting at -10F. You may need to cycle the plugs 2 or 3 times but the car should start. Oil is a factor but more so is a cold battery. If I could heat one thing, besides GPs, it would be the battery. A slow, lopey starter crank is just a waste of battery juice.

You also need a healthy starter and decent compression or its not going to start. 0F and below is COLD. Even with a 40 second glow mine still has to spin over about 8-10 times before it gets going in these temps....