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  #1  
Old 11-18-2002, 03:01 PM
KylePavao
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Does my car have a mind of its own or what?

First I thought my alternator was going with the car dying randomly, now this! I go to start car this morning: 38 degrees out, not too bad, Ive seen worse. Its been sitting over night. Glow light comes on. Glow light goes out. CHUH CHUH CHUH CHUH. Nothing. I do it again. Glow...same thing. Oh my god I say to myself...third time...4-5 "Chuh's" and it fires up. Maybe now that its getting colder I should wait more time after the glow plugs go out? Usually I wait 10 or more seconds more, but I didn't think it'd make a difference. Drove it rest of the day stop and go without any starting problems....WTF?

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  #2  
Old 11-18-2002, 03:09 PM
123c
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Try waiting longer after the glow plug light goes out, say 20-40 seconds. Also if you aren't using any additives, this would be a good time to start using them since they help with cold starts. Once you get the engine warmed up, start ups are easy.
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  #3  
Old 11-18-2002, 03:14 PM
KylePavao
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Thanks...

If I am correct, don't most reputable diesel places put an additive in their diesel just for these occasions? To tell you the truth...I got my diesel at a "no name place" the night before....could this be the reason for my weird starting? I've went here before. this never happened when I went to Mobil or Exxon. Weird if you ask me. Anyhow, Ill try waiting after the glow plugs go out. I always was under the impression that when the light goes out the glow plugs are off. Waiting longer may help. I know my compression is good: its obvious (would be noticeable decrease in my pwoer...especially in a 240!) I can cruise at 60-65 without effort, and 70-75 with a little more strain. Prolly just didn't wait. long enough. Ill keep you guys posted after tommorow. Also, you think I should use the plug my vehicle is equipped with? If so, should 2 hours of block heating do it?
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  #4  
Old 11-18-2002, 03:28 PM
123c
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The glow plugs should burn up to a minute after the light goes out. Most places that diesel should put additives in the diesel but it does't mean that they do, so that is why I always add my own after every fill up.
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  #5  
Old 11-18-2002, 04:19 PM
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kyle,
the plugs are on for 30-45 secs after the light goes out i am to understand. you don't need the block heater yet- wait til it goes way below freezing at night. 2hours should be sufficient before starting unless it gets 'wicked cold' (you know what i mean in N.England .. then i leave mine plugged in all night.
The fuel dealers up here in the northeast may or may not have changed over to winterized fuel as of now. i kind of think they haven't run through the summer stuff yet though. when they change over i get a noticeable drop in fuel mileage, i don't know why. on the other hand i have never had any gelling or fuel related problems in the winter, and i have never used ever in 7 years any additive whatsoever of any kind in the fuel system of my car. i try not to use no-name brands and recommend citgo or texaco (if you can't find the amoco premium stuff) in our area.
i think you should wait about 20-30 seconds after the light goes out and then try to start it, and get some good fuel. have your fuel filters been changed recently, if not change 'em.
good luck- bob
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  #6  
Old 11-18-2002, 04:31 PM
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Hi!

I live in Boston so it really isn't that cold down here just humid and humid and humid.

But even when it's at its coldest, the engine would fire up right away as soon as I crank it after the pre-glow light goes off. I don't even wait.

Last time in Summer I had a hard starting problem and I changed the oil and everything was back to normal. I hadn't even covered 3000 mi. yet. I guess it's the time more than the mileage for me (I drive very little)

I'd start by going to Pepboys and buying some Redline DFC or whatever additive you prefer. I have been using Redline DFC and my engine has been very healthy I think.

Then replace the fuel filters and air filter.

See if they help.


Good luck,
-Holson-

*ps after messing with cheap fuel, my 300CD only drinks Texaco Premium Diesel - this thing loves expensive drinks I guess*

I would keep an eye for Amoco's premium stuff but I have yet to see a station.
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  #7  
Old 11-18-2002, 04:46 PM
KylePavao
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Fuel filters replaced 6000 miles ago..

Twist on and the inline....not air filter yet. I doubt it was a catastrophic loss of compression. My glow light doesnt stay on long at all (at most 10 seconds) so if I wait longer than usual this may help. Fuel may also be bottom of the barrel crap, or maybe a weak battery? (I doubt it) I am leaning towards not letting the glow plugs do their work. It was about 10 seconds, then they went out...I cranked and cranked! Maybe one is weak? All seem to be working from the relay. Ill have to check again.
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  #8  
Old 11-18-2002, 10:44 PM
Old Deis
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You should open the hood and turn on the key. Then get out and listen for the relay to click the glow plugs off. I was having a miserable time when I first bought a MB diesel. I kept trying to start it as soon as the glow plug light went out. That was in a cold January and it just would not start.
After burning up a starter I learned the glow plugs work independently of that light. You can also place a volt/ohmmeter on one of the glow plugs if you cannot hear the relay close.
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  #9  
Old 11-18-2002, 11:30 PM
dopiata
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Fuel Additive and Block Heater

You should be using a fuel additive.
And check the fuel filter.
I change them every 20k-40k miles.
But water can clog them up quickly.
Additive will prevent this.

Also, you want to get a block heater.
The type that goes into the freeze plug.
The dip stick type is okay, but not that good overall.

You might want to think about a fuel filter heater too.
Peogot makes one, which could be mod'ed for the Mercedes.

Anther thing is to change the oil to a 15/40.
The oil maybe too think in your car.

Thanks
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  #10  
Old 11-19-2002, 01:48 PM
KylePavao
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Did its same routine again

I let it glow until I heard a clunk, it didnt start. Did it again, and with much effort it started. I am thinking I may have some crappy fueld, for it never did this with Mobil or Exxon or any other good brands. It is getting below freezing at night, and was 38 this morning. You think its block heater time? Mind you I don't Keep in a garage?
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  #11  
Old 11-19-2002, 04:55 PM
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kyle,
you could try plugging in the block heater for a couple of hours
b4 you start it and see what happens tomorrow, but i think in the end you are right about the bad fuel. run it out of there and replace with a good brand - it can't hurt.
regarding the block heater, as i said i don't usually plug mine in
until it goes down to say 25 deg f at night and last winter being fairly mild i only used it twice to my recollection.
bob
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  #12  
Old 11-19-2002, 05:46 PM
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Block heater

My experience with the block heater is that it only helps the starter turn the engine a little faster but does not really help the glow system or anything else.
At minus 2 f my 240D starts about the same with or without the heater (gotta kind of wish her to life) but with the heater plugged in the starter definately turns the motor faster.
Just my experience...
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  #13  
Old 11-19-2002, 07:25 PM
KylePavao
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Initially...

Initially I did not think fuel could do this...but apparently low Cetane fuel can do this. Exxon/Mobil never did this? All you guys think it is fuel...or a catastrophic lostt of compression? I hope not number too. It smokes more, and smells "More Diesely" ever since this fuel. I hope its a bad load. What you guys think?
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  #14  
Old 11-19-2002, 07:31 PM
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take a long road run kyle and run that crap outta there and put some of the 'good stuff' in
i betcha it'll make a big difference
then think about those fuel filters again, and the air filter if it's dirty..
suggest also try the block heater a bit tomorrow and let's know if that helps-i'm curious too-
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  #15  
Old 11-19-2002, 07:38 PM
KylePavao
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Its parked in garage now

That will make a difference. Filters had been changed...but not the airfilter. We'll see what difference fuel makes. All signs point to that...nothing changed except fuel. Ive been there before and its been good....apprently not consistent. Mobil and Exxon.

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