how long should the glow plugs work?

keimini · 06-13-2008, 03:54 AM

I have a 1985 300d. The last 300 I had was an 83 and the glow plug light stayed on for about 8-10 sec. It would not start well unless I let the light go out before cranking.

Well this new one. lol. will start just like a gas car without any glowplug time at all. if I do let the light turn on and off by its self then the light only stays on for about 3 seconds.

The car is very low on power when cold untill the turbo kicks in or untill it warms up. By the way what is warmed up for this car. the last one ran at the mark above 80 c. this one runs at 80 c or less.

Thanks for your input
Keith

240D 3.0T · 06-13-2008, 04:22 PM

Glowplugs should last 2-10 years.

The car should run at or slightly above 80*C. If its less then change your thermostat and temperature sensor/sender in the head.

keimini · 06-14-2008, 01:54 AM

Thanks for the info. What I should have asked is how long is the light supposed to stay on for. or

How long are the glow plugs supposed to glow for prior to starting the car?

Thanks.
Keith

240D 3.0T · 06-15-2008, 06:33 AM

The light turns on for 2-5 seconds depending on how warm the engine/air is and the glowplugs will keep working for 30 seconds or until the starter is used. The light is only a suggestion, not how long they are actually glowing.

Polar Bear · 06-17-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keimini

Thanks for the info. What I should have asked is how long is the light supposed to stay on for. or

How long are the glow plugs supposed to glow for prior to starting the car?

Thanks.
Keith

If one of them is bad sometimes the glow plug light will not illuminate at all. I think it has to be #1, but I can't recall it has been so long.

whoover · 06-17-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keimini

I have a 1985 300d. The last 300 I had was an 83 and the glow plug light stayed on for about 8-10 sec. It would not start well unless I let the light go out before cranking.

Well this new one. lol. will start just like a gas car without any glowplug time at all. if I do let the light turn on and off by its self then the light only stays on for about 3 seconds.

The car is very low on power when cold untill the turbo kicks in or untill it warms up. By the way what is warmed up for this car. the last one ran at the mark above 80 c. this one runs at 80 c or less.

Thanks for your input
Keith

I had an '83 SD with the same engine, I think. It was a while ago, but I don't think they even had a light in the W126. They just told you to wait a few seconds.

Last time I was in Europe I rented a modern turbo-diesel. You don't even pause for a second. It's exactly like starting a gas engine. And the grunt is unbelievable.

Polar Bear · 06-18-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoover

I had an '83 SD with the same engine, I think. It was a while ago, but I don't think they even had a light in the W126. They just told you to wait a few seconds.

Last time I was in Europe I rented a modern turbo-diesel. You don't even pause for a second. It's exactly like starting a gas engine. And the grunt is unbelievable.

It'd be nice if they had them here in the W221!

tanktube67 · 09-15-2008, 12:40 AM

All depends on the engine temperature; if your glow plugs are old you may want to cycle it two times, if the plugs are old install new ones.

tanktube67 · 09-15-2008, 12:43 AM

low power when engine is cold, it could be the engine is not burning the fuel correctly is normal on old cars

06-14-2008, 01:54 AM	#3
keimini Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	oops. I mean how long should the light stay on Before I start the car Thanks for the info. What I should have asked is how long is the light supposed to stay on for. or How long are the glow plugs supposed to glow for prior to starting the car? Thanks. Keith

06-15-2008, 06:33 AM	#4
240D 3.0T Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Federal Heights, CO Posts: 507	The light turns on for 2-5 seconds depending on how warm the engine/air is and the glowplugs will keep working for 30 seconds or until the starter is used. The light is only a suggestion, not how long they are actually glowing. Last edited by 240D 3.0T; 06-15-2008 at 06:36 AM.

09-15-2008, 12:40 AM	#8
tanktube67 MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,073	All depends on the engine temperature; if your glow plugs are old you may want to cycle it two times, if the plugs are old install new ones. __________________ 05 BMW 545i (sold) 04 G35 Coupe/lots of Mods (sold)

09-15-2008, 12:43 AM	#9
tanktube67 MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,073	low power when engine is cold, it could be the engine is not burning the fuel correctly is normal on old cars __________________ 05 BMW 545i (sold) 04 G35 Coupe/lots of Mods (sold)

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06-13-2008, 03:54 AM	#1
keimini Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	how long should the glow plugs work? I have a 1985 300d. The last 300 I had was an 83 and the glow plug light stayed on for about 8-10 sec. It would not start well unless I let the light go out before cranking. Well this new one. lol. will start just like a gas car without any glowplug time at all. if I do let the light turn on and off by its self then the light only stays on for about 3 seconds. The car is very low on power when cold untill the turbo kicks in or untill it warms up. By the way what is warmed up for this car. the last one ran at the mark above 80 c. this one runs at 80 c or less. Thanks for your input Keith

06-13-2008, 04:22 PM	#2
240D 3.0T Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Federal Heights, CO Posts: 507	Glowplugs should last 2-10 years. The car should run at or slightly above 80*C. If its less then change your thermostat and temperature sensor/sender in the head.