It's cold in northern New Jersey and my diesel doesn't like it!

[zak]

Over the past weekend the temp dropped to 5 Deg F at night for 3 days straight where I live. It never went above 12 Deg during the day and it has been windy.
Saturday morning I went to run a few errands but my ML 250 Blue tec would not start. The glow plugs glowed and the engine would start normally but run for 5 - 10 seconds that die. Then I could hear the high pitched sound of the fuel pump pumping nothing but air. The diesel fuel gelled somewhere in the lines or filter and stopped the fuel flow.
So after 3 days of no start I towed the truck into a remote heated garage to thaw this morning. I am confident that all will be well tomorrow morning.
From now on I will garage the beast but I also want to use an anti jell additive as a precaution but can't seem the find any that is specifically MB Blue Tec approved.
Does anyone know if one exists? 

Also, the weather forecasters always talk about wind chill factor that makes you feel colder. Does that apply to mechanical objects like cars? Or just a hype from weather persons?

Stay warm and happy new year,

jz 

[johnk]

do they not have engine heater plugs on the MB diesels any more? I used to even carry a couple of long extension cords in my 220d's for assurance when away from my garage.

[WRe]

Hi,
there is more or less only one solution (for modern Diesel engines): Winter Diesel; see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_diesel_fuel.
Even additives are not very effective when it's already cold otherwise you have a warm garage (ideally >20°C). "These will only be effective when added above the Cloud Point as the additive needs to mix well with the diesel oil - ideally the additive should be added at the gas station when the fuel is still warm from the storage tanks."
...WRe

[stickandrudderman]

I know of a case where someone driving through France in winter broke down from gelled fuel just after filling up!

[waltklatt]

A good friend of the family, who went to the MB center for training back in the 1960's, told us a bit of advice.
When you fill up the tank with diesel, put 1/4 regular gas and then 3/4 diesel. 
This is only for the coldest of cold weather and your gas gauge will move faster than usual.
But no problems with starting in the mornings.
I've done it to all of my diesels and they run well and still do.
Walter

[WRe]

Hi,
here you can read what MB recommends to add into your Diesel engine during winter: https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/137.0_en.html.
Gasoline, petroleum, kerosene: New Diesel engines NO GO.
...WRe

[zak]

Thank you for the info.
I am happy to say that a night in the heated garage did wonders and the engine is purring(as best it can being a 4 cyl diesel).
I will try to see the product data sheet at my local stations and check the gell point. I only use 2 high volume diesel stations.

I am sure you will all agree is that the best thing for me to do is walk the 100 yards from my house to my heated garage and keep the car there overnight on a regular basis!
So the ML will share garage space with my 250 SL for the winter.

Lazy me I should have done that as soon as frigid  weather came. It cost me $ 130 bucks to have it towed to the garage to warm up.

All's well that ends well.
thanks,
jz

[sandcrab59]

Hey New Jersey, you should be used to cold weather. Maybe like me from Brooklyn to Massachusetts, I learned about cold nights below zero.
I also used additives in my 220D and 240D's in the 70's. And always plugged in each night.
Now I own two 300SD's and still use an engine heater. Zero Start. Also M/B has an heater the part number is BQ6200009.
I have the box in my hand now. This is the correct number.

Contact Tom Hanson 949-598 94842 at the classic center and he can get you one. Also ask about the extention cord.
The only problem I have had over the years is the cord that goes from the heater to the grill.
It is a 3 string ribbon cable (very thin) and is susceptible to breaking.
You have to play with it and splice in a heavier cord.
I have 2 extras in my cellar.

Now the problem with gelling and icing. I had this problem last week because my cord was broken. So it would not start. It was below zero 3 nights in a row.
With my jumper pack I got it started and when I drove down the road no power at all.
I know instantly it was gelling with fuel.

So the fix is: go to your best parts house, like Auto zone etc. and purchase POWER SERVICE Anti gelling, it comes in white quart bottles.
Use it with each fill up. In real cold weather use extra.
The real fix for icing is POWER SERVICE 911. It comes in Red Quart Bottles. It worked for me and my power came back.
All construction people use this stuff in there diesel engines in Winter.
911 is for extremely bad conditions.
Tom

[zak]

So I had my 60,000 mile B service done at my local MB dealer.
I told my tech about my fuel gelling episode during the frigid temps 2 week ends ago.
He laughed and said that over a dozen MB diesels were towed in with the gelling issue too and people were pissed.
All they did was park them indoors over night and all was well.
No charge for the indoor parking but flat bed tow was expensive.
He also warned me about adding an anti gell - not permitted in Bluetec engines.

jz

[sandcrab59]

I forgot to mention in my last email.
NEVER let the fuel tank go under a half a tank in the winter, that causes moisture in the tank and creates ice in the tank.
Fill up as fast as possible, never go long periods without filling up.

I have been doing this since 1972, when I purchased my first diesel (220D) , and never had any real problems.
Since then I have owned two 200D's, two 240D's and presently two 300SD's.
They rest in my woods and are heading for the scrap yard next year. Not the 300SD's, they are great.
Tom