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I hate diesels in the Winter
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 2:13 am
by 123c
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
Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2004 11:02 pm
by Yukonart
Just get some help from a friend and roll the ole girl in there.
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 7:55 am
by 123c
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...
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:46 pm
by Dr Nick
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...
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:49 pm
by 123c
The glow plugs are fine, it's just a bad battery most likely...
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:51 pm
by vrg3
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?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:52 pm
by vrg3
You think it's just a bad battery? Have you tried jump-starting it then?
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:02 pm
by 123c
I am very sure it's a bad battery
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:30 am
by 123c
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:46 am
by ciper
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:58 am
by 123c
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.
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 5:26 pm
by 123c
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...
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:07 pm
by ciper
How old is the alternator? Maybe its output is below what is needed to charge the battery?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 11:03 pm
by 123c
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...
Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2004 5:22 am
by 123c
I got it started, and it runs great