I was hoping someone could help me. My 82 300D has not been able to start when cold without a little shot of ether. It runs fine after startup. I noticed that the glow-plug light comes back on after startup for half a minute or so sometimes. I have not checked the glow-plugs but they were changed about ten months ago(how long can you expect them to last?).
Thanks ENYT

 

In my experience, bosch plugs last on average about 6 years. Autolite brand glow plugscan last as little as 2 days. I have learned to replace all at the same time. Nothing is worse than taking the time to fix one or two and then having another fail a month later. Use an ohmmeter to check resistance betweenagoodground and theglow plug wiring harness at the relay box. An open means replace me. I don't remember the resistance but I think it's just a couple ohms. Also replace the fuse in the relay box at the same time. It's a 25 cent part that fails about every 10 years and prevents starting a cold engine at the worst possible time.

 

thanks for the advice Grateful;
the plugs are Bosch but I will check them tomorrow with my ohm-meter
the fuse looks good but I will change that as soon as I find a new one
thanks again ENYT

 

Never use ether on a diesel never..... if you arestuck in a bad neighborhood and your life depends on it.... fine once....but get home and find out why it won't start as designed. Have you done a valve adjustment lately? new glow plugs wont help you if the compression is low because your valves are out of adjustment...needs to be done every 5000 miles. It is easy to do yourself if you are moderatly mechanically inclinded.

Dieselgiant.com has a great pictorial on how to do it..... I did all three of my cars and they now all start on a dime...better mileage as well

1982 300SD
1985 300SD
1978 300D

All Veggie cars

 

It may be time to adjust the valves also.

 

Iadjusted the valves on all three car less than 2 months ago...I agree that folks need to do it more often than they do.....I was told at least every 5000 miles