1983 Mercedes 240D…a Few Questions
Posted in Ignition Systems | Asked on Aug 16, 2010
Below is the question about 1983 Mercedes 240D…a Few Questions, I just got a 1983 240D. It seems to be in really good shape except for a few minor cosmetic things, and seems to mostly work now that it has a new battery.
This morning when I tried to start it, it wouldn’t start. It was very cold, I’m thinking maybe that had something to do with it. The owners manual said something about glow plugs…can someone explain what they are exactly and how to use them? I understand it has something to do with heating up the oil…
Also, was thinking a little bit about converting it to run on used restaurant oil. Anybody have any experience regarding that? I have a local restaurant that would be willing to give me oil.
And just out of curiosity…is it supposed to make a little “ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” noise when you open the door with the key in? It’s kind of cute, haha.
There are 5 Answers for "1983 Mercedes 240D…a Few Questions"
When you start the car, turn the key to the on position, but don’t crank. There will be a yellow light on the the instrument pod. This indicates that the glow plugs are warming the engine. In a few seconds, the light will go off. At that point, crank the motor. If it doesn’t start after a few turns, repeat the glow cycle.
Used restaurant oil is a misery to work with. It has to be super filtered, and it will gell in cold temperatures. You can filter it and mix it into a tank of real Diesel, don’t exceed 25%. A veggie conversion includes fuel heaters and filters, and will take up space in your trunk.
The first answer gave you the correct procedure. Do NOT try starting the engine as if it’s a gasoline engine. Turn the key to ON and wait for the yellow light to go off.
Also, if it’s very cold, you need to use Diesel #1 fuel (not #2)
#1 diesel fuel is for winter. If it’s not available, mix 1 part of kerosene with 2 parts of regular (#2) fuel.
As for converting to restaurant oil, well… I hate the idea, but maybe it’s just me.
The “ehhhhhhhhhhh” sound reminds you about the key, lights on, etc. It’s normal.
All the diesels have glow plugs for ignition instead of spare plugs.
when starting there is a light on dash that says glow plugs. turn the key on and dont start until the light goes out, this is telling you the glow plugs are warmed up so when you turn over the key it can start.
If you still have a problem of it starting and or the glow light doesnt go out you may need to rplace some or all these glow plugs
old deisel ones are a problem when in the cold, check youre fuses, also spark plugs and starter motor.
bahahaha yea that annoying ehhhhhhhhhhh sound. Anyway whjen u turn the key to the first click some lights will come on in the dash. U will se a light that looks like its twirling wait until that goes off before u actually turn the car over. Diesels need to warm up glow plugs before starting the engine. It should glow for only a few seconds