Questions and Answers

Mercedes Benz 300D Starts Hard Q. Hello, This is my first winter driving a 1984 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo Diesel. It has a problem starting after it's been sitting in the cold (approximately 30°) for several hours. It turns over but just continues to crank without catching. The glow plugs are functioning. Once it does start it clatters and barely idles. I've been using a lubro moly fuel anti gel. Thanks, John

A. I have a 1983 300D Turbo Diesel and I was having the same problem. But with me it happened at 10° or below. I do have a block heater that I plug in so that does make it easier to start. Diesel fuel shouldn't gel at 30°. Does the place you buy fuel from sell winterized diesel fuel? If not, I would switch to another station that does.

What I did with mine was to replace the fuel filters and that seemed to clear it up for me. I just replaced all the glow plugs so I know they are not a concern. I also use the NAPA brand Anti-Gel and that seems to work well. You might want to consider a block heater as well. Not only does it make starting easier, it also makes the Automatic Climate Control kick in sooner.