320 v6 starting

[Dazzler]

Do these engines struggle to start?
I've been to see 2 cars with these engines and they both slow cranked and turned over alot before fireing.
When they did start the diesel fumes were awful from the exhaust but almost instantly cleared.
Both had had the glow plugs and relay recently replaced?
Any views from experience please.

 

[wu56Shoozz]

Could be a near miss.. the swirl motor can cause this as well as the inlet manifold.. if its that you're looking at a big repair bill... the car should start real easy, so keep looking, you'll get there

 

[jaymanek]

No they all seem to do this if you dont let the glow plug lamp go out. In these temperatures, i cycle the glow plugs twice.

I have to remind all of my staff, almost daily, to let glow plug lamps go out before turning over, otherwise in this cold, the V6 engines will do exactly as you describe.

 

[merc85]

Also worth noting if the vehicles have AGM batteries not the normal Lead acid ones.

 

[Smart320]

No they all seem to do this if you dont let the glow plug lamp go out. In these temperatures, i cycle the glow plugs twice.

I have to remind all of my staff, almost daily, to let glow plug lamps go out before turning over, otherwise in this cold, the V6 engines will do exactly as you describe.

Useful tip to cycle the glowplugs twice, will give it a try later this week, although not had any
problems getting mine to start normally

 

[sturgeon]

What difference do AGM batteries make?

 

[merc85]

What difference do AGM batteries make?

Better Cold cranking efficiency in low temps, and faster charging.

 

[sturgeon]

A ha! Thanks! (Not sure if I've got one!)

 

[KeithJG]

I have a health problem come on and now just use the Merc once a week sometimes 10 days between using and even in this cold weather today it started as normal within 2secs and turning over quickly...........mind you all new glow plugs, relay and a Varta battery from Ollie 2 yrs ago

 

[kit17]

Do these engines struggle to start?
I've been to see 2 cars with these engines and they both slow cranked and turned over alot before fireing.
When they did start the diesel fumes were awful from the exhaust but almost instantly cleared.
Both had had the glow plugs and relay recently replaced?
Any views from experience please.

According to my mb indie, long cold starts on these engines can be a sign that the timing chain is stretched, which is a big job to replace.

 

[GordonTarling]

Don't forget that if a car has been siting around for a while, particularly on a forecourt or similar, then the battery will be low and cranking slower than normal, especially in colder weather. The old IL6 diesels start readily without glowplugs, but the V6 engines need them to the full.

 

[clk320x]

Don't forget that if a car has been siting around for a while, particularly on a forecourt or similar, then the battery will be low and cranking slower than normal, especially in colder weather. The old IL6 diesels start readily without glowplugs, but the V6 engines need them to the full.

No issues starting the Wagon this morning

 

[merc85]

You have a I6 dont you clk320x ? Awesome lump

 

[clk320x]

You have a I6 dont you clk320x ? Awesome lump

Yes I think so! Got 44mpg on the 200 mile drive this morning.. including town but most motorway!

 

[merc85]

Mate i love that engine!

 

[PaulXC]

No they all seem to do this if you dont let the glow plug lamp go out. In these temperatures, i cycle the glow plugs twice.

I do this - makes a difference.

 

[David404]

My W211 (V6 OM642) starts quick first time BUT I am careful to let the glow plugs do their business.

 

[sturgeon]

Instant start this morning, its -5 here and it hasn't been started since Friday! Did cycle the glowplugs though.

 

[Dazzler]

Great to see your replies people.
I too have the il6 currently and as mentioned starts on the button regardless.

So the v6 has swirl flap issues and chain issues? That doesn't sound good.
I need a newer car and love the big diesels so I don't have much of a choice.
I've driven two 350 and both those had no starting issues at all.
It's just been 2 320 cdis?

 

[merc85]

How about a ML420? that v8 must be a peach