406D cold start trouble

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406D cold start trouble

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Mercedes Forum >> Mercedes Benz Models >> Diesel Discussions >> 406D cold start trouble

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406D cold start trouble - 12/10/2007 6:52:18 AM

uranian

Posts: 2
Joined: 12/10/2007
Status: offline

Hello forum, first post, so greetings to you fine MB owners.

I own a 1969 L406D, which runs fine when started, but recently I´m having more and more trouble actually starting the beast. I think my problem is condensation-related, as the engine will start fine when warm, and bump starting it (generally down a hill) works fine - we just a great cloud of white smoke, then all works fine. I´ve been told new glow plugs are a good start to solving the problem, wondering if anyone might be able to offer some other sage advice? This is the first vehicle I´ve owned, let alone first diesel, so I´m a little underinformed.

On a related note, there are 3 different engines that went into the 406, and unfortunately my engine doesn´t have precisely which engine it is stamped on it that I can see (I see reference to OM numbers, if that means anything to anyone), so I´m trying to find this info in order to get the correct glow plugs...again any advice as to how to ID the engine precisely would be appreciated.

TIA.

Post #: 1

RE: 406D cold start trouble - 12/17/2007 7:28:57 PM

compress ignite

Posts: 9
Joined: 12/5/2007
Status: offline

Ignore my post above!

The correct site to plug your VIN into is:

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

It will tell you all the original equipment.

The only thing that bothers me is your vehicle's blowing white smoke on start up!
How old is it? How many miles?

(in reply to compress ignite)

Post #: 2

RE: 406D cold start trouble - 1/11/2008 11:59:38 AM

uranian

Posts: 2
Joined: 12/10/2007
Status: offline

hola compress ignite, sorry for a very late reply, thought i´d subscribed to this thread, but have had no emails.

developments since the original post; changed the oil from 15w40 to 5w40, which seemed to solve the problem, for a week, at least. now i´m back to having trouble, sounds like the battery is dying because the engine cranks slowly when starting then the cranking dies completly within 10 seconds. been reading the battery faq online, and it suggests that my 12v battery is only 50% charged, as it measures about 12.3v when i test it, so this could well be the new problem. i need to replace the fanbelt, as it´s audibly slipping at medium and high speed, so i wonder if the alternator isn´t charging the battery properly...going to check the voltage off the alternator, take the van for a decent drive tomorrow, then see what the battery charge is up to.

will keep a closer eye on this thread!

PS very nice tool, that VIN identifier, but it says it works only from 1980 engines onwards...my trusty (ish!) steed is a 1969 gent.

< Message edited by uranian -- 1/11/2008 12:00:29 PM >

(in reply to compress ignite)

Post #: 3