I have noticed that my diesel takes ~5 seconds to start after using the block heater. The starter is engaged and turning the motor but it takes ~5 seconds to turn over. This is my first diesel and first block heater. Is this normal behavior?
Weird. I have a Sprinter 4X4 van which also has a 3 liter diesel and live in Truckee CA. I frequently have to start it down in the teens and do not have a block heater. I turn on the ignition and once the glow plug indicator goes off it starts immediately. Now th glow plug stays on for 5+ seconds when it is cold but once off it fires right up.
Hmm, run mine for about 3 hours. Starts right up. Even without being plugged in, (at work in the 20's) starts up quickly but will pay more attn. so I can reply back.
I don't need the heater right now. Last year we were below zero and I noticed the extended crank when I used it. I made a note to pay more attention this winter so have begun experimenting.
Without the heater it would fire right up at these temps so the extended crank seems to be related to using the heater.
I'll be googling this weekend to research the connection. Thanks for reading.