STD Tuning Engine Starting with propane/other fuels?

Starting with propane/other fuels?

Starting with propane/other fuels?

 
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sassparilla_kid
diesel > all other fuels

1,618
09-25-2013, 01:17 PM #1
As the end of summer is upon us, I've noticed a trend lately with my car. It seems that it doesn't enjoy starting very well after sitting overnight, or in temperatures below about 70*F. Now, the car starts, it just misses quite a bit for anywhere from 10-30 seconds after startup. I know all of my glow plugs are good, and injectors are freshly rebuilt with new nozzles from Greazzer, so I know its not those, valves adjusted maybe 5-6k miles ago, so I'm guessing my problem is some type of combination of injection timing being too advanced and maybe compression a little bit (although there is little to no blowby so I mostly suspect the former). I'm thinking my injection timing might be a little too far advanced and that the fuel is having enough time to maybe condense on the sides of the pre-chambers and that's what's causing it to shake until it gets warm enough to not do this. I will say this, once the car is warmed up for a minute or two it runs like a champ, and I'm currently getting pretty decent mileage (29.5mpg highway, 24.5-26.5 mixed city/highway depending on how I drive) so I don't really want to change the injection timing or anything of that nature.

This leads me to my idea or maybe using small amounts of propane or something else to aid with starting. I would probably only run it for about the first 30 seconds or so until the the prechambers have had enough time to warm up enough to keep fuel from condensing on the sides

This is all just speculation and whatnot, so feel free to point out anything else I may be missing or whatever

-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!
sassparilla_kid
09-25-2013, 01:17 PM #1

As the end of summer is upon us, I've noticed a trend lately with my car. It seems that it doesn't enjoy starting very well after sitting overnight, or in temperatures below about 70*F. Now, the car starts, it just misses quite a bit for anywhere from 10-30 seconds after startup. I know all of my glow plugs are good, and injectors are freshly rebuilt with new nozzles from Greazzer, so I know its not those, valves adjusted maybe 5-6k miles ago, so I'm guessing my problem is some type of combination of injection timing being too advanced and maybe compression a little bit (although there is little to no blowby so I mostly suspect the former). I'm thinking my injection timing might be a little too far advanced and that the fuel is having enough time to maybe condense on the sides of the pre-chambers and that's what's causing it to shake until it gets warm enough to not do this. I will say this, once the car is warmed up for a minute or two it runs like a champ, and I'm currently getting pretty decent mileage (29.5mpg highway, 24.5-26.5 mixed city/highway depending on how I drive) so I don't really want to change the injection timing or anything of that nature.

This leads me to my idea or maybe using small amounts of propane or something else to aid with starting. I would probably only run it for about the first 30 seconds or so until the the prechambers have had enough time to warm up enough to keep fuel from condensing on the sides

This is all just speculation and whatnot, so feel free to point out anything else I may be missing or whatever


-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!

waz
GTA2056V

77
09-25-2013, 02:25 PM #2
Silly question: Have you tried two or more cycles of the glow plugs to see if that might help it idle smoother on a cold start?
Might not be best for glow plug life long term but, could be worth trying.

***********************************************
1993 300D 2.5L turbo. W124.128   2.5L 602.962
1991 350SD W126.134  Transplanted a 3.0L 603.961 into it.

waz
09-25-2013, 02:25 PM #2

Silly question: Have you tried two or more cycles of the glow plugs to see if that might help it idle smoother on a cold start?
Might not be best for glow plug life long term but, could be worth trying.


***********************************************
1993 300D 2.5L turbo. W124.128   2.5L 602.962
1991 350SD W126.134  Transplanted a 3.0L 603.961 into it.

larsalan
Superturbo

1,272
09-25-2013, 02:34 PM #3
I've had similar behavior in much colder weather. I feel like fuel supply. Including the IP and filters behave differently with different ambient temperature.
Also, that timing is a good descriptor of the situation too. Insomuch that fuel atomization, cetane rating and injection timing all play a part in the burn.
So, once the motor is warm and all the working bits under the hood start to get more at the regular operating temperature you see more normal behavior.

Rusted out beat down 300d turbo 82' -- RIP
Nice body, tons of ridiculous mechanical issues - 300d turbo 82' /motor 85'
larsalan
09-25-2013, 02:34 PM #3

I've had similar behavior in much colder weather. I feel like fuel supply. Including the IP and filters behave differently with different ambient temperature.
Also, that timing is a good descriptor of the situation too. Insomuch that fuel atomization, cetane rating and injection timing all play a part in the burn.
So, once the motor is warm and all the working bits under the hood start to get more at the regular operating temperature you see more normal behavior.


Rusted out beat down 300d turbo 82' -- RIP
Nice body, tons of ridiculous mechanical issues - 300d turbo 82' /motor 85'

sassparilla_kid
diesel > all other fuels

1,618
09-25-2013, 03:09 PM #4
Yeah I just have my plugs hooked up to a switch in the cab, I generally glow them for about ten seconds before starting in the morning, so I guess I'll try upping the dose substantially and see if that helps

-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!
sassparilla_kid
09-25-2013, 03:09 PM #4

Yeah I just have my plugs hooked up to a switch in the cab, I generally glow them for about ten seconds before starting in the morning, so I guess I'll try upping the dose substantially and see if that helps


-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!

Tito
Holset

354
09-25-2013, 03:56 PM #5
I think that might be your problem.

If your glowlight goes off in about 5 sec, the glowplugs actually keep glowing for 30seconds or something. This is for smooth idle in cold weather.

If you didn't start the engine in those 30sec the pre-chambers have heated up enough to maintain a smooth idle.

Try using the switch while the engine just fired up. See what happens. Holding the switch for about 10sec before startup is fine. In the winter I usually wait a few extra seconds before starting after the glowlight goes out. Sometimes even till i hear the relay pop and the power to the glowplugs is off.
This post was last modified: 09-25-2013, 03:59 PM by Tito.
Tito
09-25-2013, 03:56 PM #5

I think that might be your problem.

If your glowlight goes off in about 5 sec, the glowplugs actually keep glowing for 30seconds or something. This is for smooth idle in cold weather.

If you didn't start the engine in those 30sec the pre-chambers have heated up enough to maintain a smooth idle.

Try using the switch while the engine just fired up. See what happens. Holding the switch for about 10sec before startup is fine. In the winter I usually wait a few extra seconds before starting after the glowlight goes out. Sometimes even till i hear the relay pop and the power to the glowplugs is off.

MFSuper90
Budget Builder

1,533
09-26-2013, 07:39 AM #6
I was thinking the same thing Tito, good to hear from someone that knows Big Grin

'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         
MFSuper90
09-26-2013, 07:39 AM #6

I was thinking the same thing Tito, good to hear from someone that knows Big Grin


'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         

willbhere4u
Six in a row make her go!

2,507
09-26-2013, 09:53 AM #7
The newer 350sdl's will run the plugs for a full minuet after start up below 40*

1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
09-26-2013, 09:53 AM #7

The newer 350sdl's will run the plugs for a full minuet after start up below 40*


1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running

Simpler=Better
PORTED HEAD

2,127
09-26-2013, 10:22 AM #8
Check your glowplugs sun.

Newbie-read this: Cheap Tricks
617.952-220k-Getting built up
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
Simpler=Better
09-26-2013, 10:22 AM #8

Check your glowplugs sun.


Newbie-read this: Cheap Tricks
617.952-220k-Getting built up
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?

sassparilla_kid
diesel > all other fuels

1,618
09-27-2013, 02:39 PM #9
I just replaced all of them less than a year ago with Bosch, and in the summer they don't even get used

-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!
sassparilla_kid
09-27-2013, 02:39 PM #9

I just replaced all of them less than a year ago with Bosch, and in the summer they don't even get used


-1982 300D Turbo, 280k miles, ALDA apparently maxxed, fram 8038, 12 lbs boost, non-egr manifolds, W/M injection, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 front rotors/calipers, 4-speed swap
In the works: A/W IC, adjust pump, turbo rebuild (w/60 trim comp wheel)
-1980 300SD, 110k, project car. Goal is to get it lookin' like it did on the showroom floor (body and interior wise, not necessarily under the hood )
-1974 240D, FRESH PAINT!!!!!!

Simpler=Better
PORTED HEAD

2,127
09-27-2013, 03:13 PM #10
Ah well, if you can't fix it right then fix it so it runs. Hook up a hose form a propane torch and see what happens(I don't condone it but I'd love to watch)

Newbie-read this: Cheap Tricks
617.952-220k-Getting built up
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
Simpler=Better
09-27-2013, 03:13 PM #10

Ah well, if you can't fix it right then fix it so it runs. Hook up a hose form a propane torch and see what happens(I don't condone it but I'd love to watch)


Newbie-read this: Cheap Tricks
617.952-220k-Getting built up
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?

MFSuper90
Budget Builder

1,533
09-28-2013, 07:32 AM #11
Ether works too. Just don't use your glow plugs and ether at the same time

'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         
MFSuper90
09-28-2013, 07:32 AM #11

Ether works too. Just don't use your glow plugs and ether at the same time


'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         

CRD4x4
CompoundSuperTurboDiesel4x4!

399
09-28-2013, 09:22 AM #12
Methanol burns quite nicely. Maybe a rich water/meth injection for startup + 60 seconds will smooth out the idle while she warms up.
Sure, it'll cool down the intake air but it should still improve the engines efficiency and create an environment within the cylinders that is more apt to firing.

Whatever method you choose, please capture it on video. We could all learn a lot from you're experimentation. Big Grin

'05 Jeep Liberty CRD - 160k
'06.5 VW Jetta TDI - 230k
'82 MB 300TD - 116k (motor going to raysorenson)
'81 MB 300TD - 195k (parting out)
'71 Jeep DJ5 - diesel conversion project
CRD4x4
09-28-2013, 09:22 AM #12

Methanol burns quite nicely. Maybe a rich water/meth injection for startup + 60 seconds will smooth out the idle while she warms up.
Sure, it'll cool down the intake air but it should still improve the engines efficiency and create an environment within the cylinders that is more apt to firing.

Whatever method you choose, please capture it on video. We could all learn a lot from you're experimentation. Big Grin


'05 Jeep Liberty CRD - 160k
'06.5 VW Jetta TDI - 230k
'82 MB 300TD - 116k (motor going to raysorenson)
'81 MB 300TD - 195k (parting out)
'71 Jeep DJ5 - diesel conversion project

MFSuper90
Budget Builder

1,533
09-28-2013, 03:44 PM #13
Block heater? Then you have nice warm air rather quick in th winter also

'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         
MFSuper90
09-28-2013, 03:44 PM #13

Block heater? Then you have nice warm air rather quick in th winter also


'82 300D -3" straight pipe, ALDA deleted, 3in1 glowshift gauge, HX30, egr-less manifold, A/W intercooler Big Grin
'14 Ram 6.7l cummins -G56 handshaker, wishing it was deleted         

1911diesel
GT2256V

108
09-28-2013, 04:59 PM #14
+1 for that thats y the factory put it there

82 300SD-this engine may go in the 78...-Mary Jane
78 300CD-may be getting a new engine and rear end...-Brunhilde
82 300CD-uhhh race car project???-Gerda
85 300SD- the womans daily ITS F**KING PINK!-Tsybil
92 F350 CC LB dually-back up/tow pig/long haul land yacht.-Betsey

[Image: PicMonkeyCollage_zpsc1d9cd5f.jpg]
1911diesel
09-28-2013, 04:59 PM #14

+1 for that thats y the factory put it there


82 300SD-this engine may go in the 78...-Mary Jane
78 300CD-may be getting a new engine and rear end...-Brunhilde
82 300CD-uhhh race car project???-Gerda
85 300SD- the womans daily ITS F**KING PINK!-Tsybil
92 F350 CC LB dually-back up/tow pig/long haul land yacht.-Betsey

[Image: PicMonkeyCollage_zpsc1d9cd5f.jpg]

09-28-2013, 05:25 PM #15
Cure the sickness, not the symptoms FFS Smile What does "new glow plugs" or "new parts" in general mean nowadays!? Sweet fcuk all... Smile

____________________________________

'88 300CD Turbo Coupé - OM603
DiseaselWeasel
09-28-2013, 05:25 PM #15

Cure the sickness, not the symptoms FFS Smile What does "new glow plugs" or "new parts" in general mean nowadays!? Sweet fcuk all... Smile


____________________________________

'88 300CD Turbo Coupé - OM603

CRD4x4
CompoundSuperTurboDiesel4x4!

399
10-01-2013, 02:50 PM #16
Here's an ether-fueled cold start (-50f) system for large Diesel engines:
http://www.koldban.com/KBi_DIESELMATIC_s/9.htm

And here are some components of the system for sale for $50
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/4073305655.html

(NO Affiliation with maker or seller)

I've experienced being stranded a few time because of extreme cold temps and no plug within 200 feet of my blockheater. I wish I had a plan B like this installed back then.

(09-28-2013, 07:32 AM)MFSuper90 Ether works too. Just don't use your glow plugs and ether at the same time

'05 Jeep Liberty CRD - 160k
'06.5 VW Jetta TDI - 230k
'82 MB 300TD - 116k (motor going to raysorenson)
'81 MB 300TD - 195k (parting out)
'71 Jeep DJ5 - diesel conversion project
CRD4x4
10-01-2013, 02:50 PM #16

Here's an ether-fueled cold start (-50f) system for large Diesel engines:
http://www.koldban.com/KBi_DIESELMATIC_s/9.htm

And here are some components of the system for sale for $50
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/4073305655.html

(NO Affiliation with maker or seller)

I've experienced being stranded a few time because of extreme cold temps and no plug within 200 feet of my blockheater. I wish I had a plan B like this installed back then.

(09-28-2013, 07:32 AM)MFSuper90 Ether works too. Just don't use your glow plugs and ether at the same time


'05 Jeep Liberty CRD - 160k
'06.5 VW Jetta TDI - 230k
'82 MB 300TD - 116k (motor going to raysorenson)
'81 MB 300TD - 195k (parting out)
'71 Jeep DJ5 - diesel conversion project

solitaire2020
Unregistered

 
08-30-2020, 03:00 PM #17
Ether has always worked the Best Heart
solitaire2020
08-30-2020, 03:00 PM #17

Ether has always worked the Best Heart

AlanMcR
mind - blown

400
08-30-2020, 04:16 PM #18
I've gotten my 606 to start after an overnight at -15C. Winter diesel, two rounds of glowing and then hold the starter. Fired pretty quickly I thought. Wouldn't move for another minute or so.

A pan of coals under the engine works, if things are really bad.
AlanMcR
08-30-2020, 04:16 PM #18

I've gotten my 606 to start after an overnight at -15C. Winter diesel, two rounds of glowing and then hold the starter. Fired pretty quickly I thought. Wouldn't move for another minute or so.

A pan of coals under the engine works, if things are really bad.

 
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