I hate diesels in the Winter

123c · Post by **123c** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 2:13 am

The past two days I have been trying to start the Mercedes, and it won't start. I hate that thing in the winter, mostly because it is the hardest thing to start. I am hoping to get it stated in the next few days so I can park it in the garage and do some work to it so I can sell it soon

Yukonart · Post by **Yukonart** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 11:02 pm

Just get some help from a friend and roll the ole girl in there.

123c · Post by **123c** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 7:55 am

I could push it into the Garage, or I can go to the industrial battery store where I bought my battery, and get a new one under warranty. I am sure I have another bad battery, but I doubt the car will start in -4 degrees...

Dr Nick · Post by **Dr Nick** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:46 pm

This may be a daft question, but when were the glowplugs last replaced? In my diesel experience (204k miles in a diesel Peugeot) these make the biggest difference to starting from cold...

123c · Post by **123c** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:49 pm

The glow plugs are fine, it's just a bad battery most likely...

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:51 pm

That's a good point. The early W123s used a series configuration for the glow plugs, too, so one bad plug could ruin it for everyone.

123c - Maybe another daft question, but do you have a block heater that you're using?

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:52 pm

You think it's just a bad battery? Have you tried jump-starting it then?

123c · Post by **123c** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:02 pm

I am very sure it's a bad battery

123c · Post by **123c** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:30 am

I might get the engine started tomorrow, when the temp will be near 40, and maybe after I get a chance to replace the battery.

ciper · Post by **ciper** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:46 am

You know that newer ones dont have glow plugs at all? They modify the timing based on temperature to increase the air pressure before the fuel is injected.

123c · Post by **123c** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:58 am

ciper wrote:You know that newer ones dont have glow plugs at all? They modify the timing based on temperature to increase the air pressure before the fuel is injected.

Yes, I knew that. I am stuck with the old fashioned loop style glow plugs. I can retrofit the car with the newer style pin type glow plugs for a less than $200.

123c · Post by **123c** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 5:26 pm

I took my battery into the battery shop today, and the guy there told me that it is probally ok, but very low on charge, and that's why I can't get it charged. I am going back in a few hours and he will test it again, and see if it is bad. Then I should get the MB started again...

ciper · Post by **ciper** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:07 pm

How old is the alternator? Maybe its output is below what is needed to charge the battery?

123c · Post by **123c** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 11:03 pm

The battery is just fine, so it should start later today. The guy at the shop told me to bring the car buy once I get it started, and he would do an electrical check on it for free...

123c · Post by **123c** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 5:22 am

I got it started, and it runs great

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I hate diesels in the Winter

I hate diesels in the Winter