Mercedes Benz repair: Cold Start- 83 Mercedes 300SD, leak fuel, tank removal

Question
-------------------------
Followup To

Mr. Hunter-  We live in southern california (92660).  The temperatures dip into the low 50s during the winter but I don't recall having this problem (with this severity) at any point in my ownership history.

Carl


Question -
Mr. Hunter:

Lately, my 83 Diesel has been very tough to start in the morning (4+ attempts before catching) but once started, the problem doesn't reoccur until the next morning (having sat all night).  I replaced the battery but that doesn't appear to be the issue.  Any suggestions?

Carl
Answer -
I need your geographic area, California, Canada, Florida, etc.
Any zip code within fifty miles will give me all the weather history data I need.


Answer
Best guess:
* Bad Glow Plugs.
* Fuel line micro air leak.
* Fuel filters dirty.
* Starter cranking too slow.
* Bad ground, body to engine.

Is starter health important to your diesel?
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=739798#post739798


Glow plug testing.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=104547&page=1&pp=15

Don't always trust your glow plug indicator light!
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=138347

Glow Plug Relay
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=122826

Glow plugs link thread
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=1019018#post1019018

Replacing Glow Plugs
http://mbdieseldiy.tripod.com/glowplugs.htm


fuel filter change
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=824006#post824006

Diesel filters, no tank strainers please.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=1046422&posted=1#post104

I'm baffled and at wit's end!?!?!?!?!
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=138961

Algae/Fungus fixation...
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=138733

240D fuel tank removal and cleaning
Good for any W123 sedan.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=813925#post813925

300SD Fuel Filter Replacement Instructions
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=105344

Biobor, what is it, why do I need it?
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=723857#post723857

Filters, Fungus, Biocide, etc.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?p=823378#post823378

Algae Clogged Filter Pic StarTron WORKS !
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=138728