Diesel sprinter cold start fail -32C (-25 F) 

It all depends on the battery really. It never takes long to start but if it does not start in the first few turn overs, or cycle the glow plugs too long that battery will not have enough capacity for a second attempt. Back when it still had a DEF tank leaving it for several days not running seemed to always sap the battery enough it was almost completely dead if left in extreme cold. Mostly because of the DEF heater I suspect.

I initially intended to follow this up with modifications for winterizing (dual batteries and diesel heater) but never had time to complete it with comparisons. Would you like to see that?

Yes. And I'd also be curious about a cold start w.o any plugging in. As long as the fuel is somehow liquid, this should start. I usually take diesel winter experiences as pre-exoerience to vegoil cold start expperiences. If it starts at -30 on diesel, it will start at -10 on veg (as long as the fuel is liquid).@@bucksedge

For some reason this Sprinter cuts off after a few cranks before needing to cycle the key again. Not sure if all Sprinters do that or just a weak battery? Going to install a second battery or try a boost so I can attempt that. Even with a brand new battery that's literally all it can muster before being flat dead.... Thanks for the tip though I'll try it. How long do you figure on glow plugs?

@@bucksedge I would try cycling the plugs twice and then immediately crank it for 30 seconds, holding the key in Start the entire time.

@@scotthiddleston8246 Might be a while before another attempt in that cold but sure, I'll show you what it does.