Starting help at temp sub 32 f
 

83-300sd--any tips on getting her started at temps below 32.. Do you hold acc. down ? Pump 3 times ? Hold key trying till battery dead.. ? Also it has a block heater which I have never used.. HOw do I use the block heater.? Thanks

Just plug an extension cord into the block heater plug and you should be able to start in about an hour. Mine started even with one bad glow plug (which I just replaced).

8°F this morning...
 

Well, today we had our coldest morning of the season. The dash display read 8°F when I went out to the car. After 30 seconds of preglow (light went out after 10 seconds), it fired right up without a problem. The idle was a little rough for about 5 seconds, but cleared up almost immediately. I was expecting a fuel gelling problem or something of that nature, but it started on the first try without incident. :cool:

The SDL doesn't have the block heater cord installed, as the car is originally from Texas, so I haven't tested it out yet. The block heater on my 190 kept things nice and warm all night, and it would start like a champ in the morning. If your car has the cord installed, just plug it into a standard 110v outlet for an hour or two before you're ready to start the car, or leave it plugged in overnight.

Ooooorrrrrrrr "smelling salts" comes in a can
non petroeum product. As a "last" resort I'll let the glow plugs go out, let 'em cool for a minute in sub freezing (10+) and hit the air cleaner intake with 2 seconds of ether. use only in an emergency. Not reccomended for faint of heart. Usually used on closed course with a professional driver.

Hate to hear that 'death rattle' when it takes off, but like I said, use in extreme emergencies.

Many remote diesels have direct injection starting fluid into the intake mainifold as the only starting aid. But that is without plugs.

I think the military has direct start and you have to hit the deuce and halfs and 5 tons with ether. Never blew one with ether. They were Cummins straight 6's NTC's. used the same thing on 2 cycle Gimmies. Scary times.

turn on the key, wait about 30 seconds, then energize the starter. The glowplugs should continue heating for about 30 seconds after the light goes out. Apply light throttle for a while immediately after it starts. If it doesn't start within 5 seconds of cranking you have a problem. Do not continue cranking. You may overheat the starter.

When people use their block heaters, is their heat immediately out the vents? Do they heat that well?
Thanks
David

no, but in my experience it takes about 1/2 as long to warm up and produce heat.
the main benefit from a block heater is an instant engine start :cool:

Originally posted by oilburninokie
"If it doesn't start within 5 seconds of cranking you have a problem. Do not continue cranking. You may overheat the starter"

Actually, the owner's manual for my '84 300D says to hold the pedal to the floor and crank until it the engine is running if temp is below freezing. If temp is below zero (F) manual calls for pumping the pedal three times, then holding to the floor and running starter - without interruption - until the engine is running.

Seems abusive, but it works. Just crank until the engine outruns the starter and then hold light throttle until it's running smoothly.

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