> Andrew wrote: > On my W123 300TD, I am having a hard time getting it started > when the temperature dips below 20 F despite the car being > plugged into the block heater. It takes 2 minutes of multiple > glows and attempts before I can get it fired up. Once I get it > started the engine runs as if it were preheated. > > Question: Does this sound like a glow plug issue? Do the plugs > wear out or simply fail? If one is dead will the other 4 start > the car, albeit laboriously?
With a working block heater, I expect even my tired car to start one dead glow plug. I think it started with two dead glow plugs - after the block heater was on for an hours at a temperature of about 0 C (32 F). Hard starting when cold is usually tight valves, failed glow plugs, - or low compression. Glow plugs are easy to test. I'll post again my preferred method using an automotive ammeter if anyone wants details. Valve lash isn't hard, but it involves removing a bunch of the ugly '85 stuff along with the rocker arm cover. And fingertips will become black from the engine oil. A compression test requires special tools. But if the other two are okay, then it's probably compression. _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
