QuestionI have been driving this 1981 300TD Turbo Diesel for a few weeks no problem.
Temperature dropped into lower 30's (F) one day, and then I had some trouble starting. On the first day of that, I had to let it crank for about 20 or 30 seconds straight as the starter slowly built up speed and finally fired up. Then it started and ran fine for the rest of the day.
Then the next day, I kept trying to start it but it wouldn't get going fast enough to fire up, just kept getting slower and weaker. Then one time, I tried to start it and it just stuck and didn't crank anymore. Now when I turn the key, all I get is a click, won't budge.
I thought I had just let it crank too long and drained the battery, but it won't jump start, and when I charge the battery with a charger, it still won't turn over. Also, the charge level on the charger appears to drop down to from 100% to 50% after just disconnecting it and trying to start it once (still with only a click). Won't start with the "engine start" feature on the charger either.
The battery was only a couple months old & no trouble before this.
Did I just totally kill the battery? I have since connected the block heater as well, by the way.
Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerAnswer:
The engine should start in three seconds with good glow plugs, starter, fuel and compression.
You are describing CLASSIC symptoms of failed glow plugs or weak (slow) starter.
this thread should have most of the data you need.
Engine Electrical:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=142401
Your battery charger MUST be 100 AMP or higher, this will still require between 1/2 and 1.25 hours of charging to build enough power for cranking.
It is possible to jump start a diesel with a gasoline powered vehicle, however, you need massive jumper cables, and more than an hour holding the boosting engine above 1000 RPM, the following link will explain what you need.
Where can I find the Mother of all Jumper Cables?
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=136203
You need to study the data in this link.
Cold weather starting links
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1018529
