Cold Start Performance - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

funola · #16 01-01-2015, 10:11 AM

I was told by a well respected local auto electric shop that 240D/ 300D NA and 300D turbo starters are all interchangeable, i.e. they have the same power output.

Cold start performance depends on ambient temps. engine compression, oil viscosity, health of starter, injectors, IP, fuel lines and filters (air in fuel), glow plugs, battery, wiring. People who post about cold start problems should take a video so the cranking speed can be heard and the relative cranking rpm's can be determined. It would tell a lot.

vstech · #17 01-01-2015, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

That starter is not as strong as one for a 300 turbo, but works.

The attachments are from the owners manual.

I wouldn't use gasoline at all.

They only make two starters for the 61x motors... One for the California 85, and one for all other motors.

toomany MBZ · #18 01-01-2015, 11:02 AM

I was under the impression they all physically fit, but the output was different, perhaps I'm wrong.

OM617YOTA · #19 01-01-2015, 01:51 PM

Despite the extra step, I'm really liking the manual glow plug control on my truck. I know exactly how long the plugs are on and can leave them on for a little bit after the truck has started, if I feel it's needed.

leathermang · #20 01-01-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

...I wouldn't use gasoline at all.

You are in North Dakota, Alaska or The Alps.... everything on your car is set perfectly. It is a Sunday morning. Even yesterday the local general store was out of Kerosene because people use it in heaters for their barns...

The operator's manual in the glove compartment says you can mix up to 20 percent gasoline for really cold weather operation. You do not believe Mercedes Benz.... your plan is to wait for spring thaw. Great.

toomany MBZ · #21 01-01-2015, 03:48 PM

I'll keep that in mind next time I'm in the area.

funola · #22 01-01-2015, 04:01 PM

Adding a percentage of gasoline to lower the gel point of diesel was recommended in Mercedes and VW owners manuals of late 70's vintage diesels. I wonder if it is the same for mid 80's and later diesels given that gasoline formulation and diesel engine technology has changed a lot since the late 70's.
For one, gasoline today is unleaded and contains 10% Ethanol.

funola · #23 01-01-2015, 04:11 PM

Just looked at my 85 300D's owner's manual. Kerosene is the only additive listed, GASOLINE was not listed!

vstech · #24 01-01-2015, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

You are in North Dakota, Alaska or The Alps.... everything on your car is set perfectly. It is a Sunday morning. Even yesterday the local general store was out of Kerosene because people use it in heaters for their barns...

The operator's manual in the glove compartment says you can mix up to 20 percent gasoline for really cold weather operation. You do not believe Mercedes Benz.... your plan is to wait for spring thaw. Great.

Forget it... If you are in a bitter cold in either Dakota, or the frigid tundra of Alaska, nothing but heat will get a vehicle going... Gasoline solidifies in those climates... I lived there. -50F, and double digit winds... Stay inside, don't bother attempting to mix any winterizing fuel. Parts of Alaska get minus 70 or colder... Batteries don't work either...

dieselbenz1 · #25 01-01-2015, 05:30 PM

I run an additive called liquid muscle has anti gel and lubrication for the I/P ever since diesel was changed to low sulphur. Summer 2 oz per tank and winter 8 oz per tank gel was never an issue never fungus issues either. Never tried gasoline or kerosine I would wait for warmer weather.

Lucas · #26 01-02-2015, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OM617YOTA

Despite the extra step, I'm really liking the manual glow plug control on my truck. I know exactly how long the plugs are on and can leave them on for a little bit after the truck has started, if I feel it's needed.

Yes. And the ability to not glow after when not needed. Glow plugs last much longer.

I had the timer go out one time. Only it stayed on. And melted a plug. And fried the relay. They were pricey, so I threw in a big metal 100 amp relay and a button.

If you understand what's going on, it's the way to go. And it keeps idiots out of your car. "Oh it wouldn't start? Sorry, I'll have to take it in."

I don't think there is much difference between gas and kerosene. Not 100% sure though. However, I know some people that add gas in Canada, negative 40.

Interestingly enough, there's a 6x6 military truck at my house, I believe they call it a deuce and a half, that has a sticker saying it can run on gas, kerosene or diesel. I don't get how that works.

Skippy · #27 01-03-2015, 06:19 AM

My '77 had a manual glow plug controller setup with a normally open momentary switch hidden under the dash. Worked fine for me.

As for the multi-fuel M35 duece and a half, I read the manual and it made a reference to something called a viscosity compensator. It also warned not to run the truck on straight avgas. I think the fact that the engine was very detuned for its size helped it be able to run on just about anything without hurting itself. The original engines had something like 130 horsepower from something over six liters.

leathermang · #28 01-03-2015, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucas

......I don't think there is much difference between gas and kerosene......

FINDING IT !!!!!!

that is the point of my story above..... people need to know that in a cold weather emergency MB says it is OK to use a certain amount of gasoline to dilute the diesel fuel.

Most anyplace you can find Diesel you can find GASOLINE....
NOT SO WITH KEROSENE !!!!!!!