I know a few guys that hate trying to start their diesel trucks in the Iowa winter. Is there any way to make this better? I know using a thinner HDEO like 10w30 or 5w40 helps, and if you plug it in at noght, but what about if it has to sit outside not plugged in in sub-zero temps? TIA for your feedback!
How to keep diesel's going through the winter?
- Thread starter renegade_987
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1. Diesel additive called "Diesel Fuel Supplement" from a company called Power Service Products. (We use it every tank this time of year)
2. Change fuel filter(s)
3. Check/service your batteries (replace if you even think they won't take the cold)
2. Change fuel filter(s)
3. Check/service your batteries (replace if you even think they won't take the cold)
Originally Posted By: 04SE
3. Check/service your batteries (replace if you even think they won't take the cold)
good idea there.....but, if they are "under warranty" don't expect a "free replacement" for them, simply because you "don't think they will last the winter"...they won't buy it. Most manufacturers warranties are "free replacement if defective, under warranty..."
So....a customer being pro-active, and changing it out before it dies, does not allot you a free replacement
Just say'n
3. Check/service your batteries (replace if you even think they won't take the cold)
good idea there.....but, if they are "under warranty" don't expect a "free replacement" for them, simply because you "don't think they will last the winter"...they won't buy it. Most manufacturers warranties are "free replacement if defective, under warranty..."
So....a customer being pro-active, and changing it out before it dies, does not allot you a free replacement
Just say'n
Good quality, winterized, fresh fuel. Regular use of fuel additive - Howes/Power Service/Schaeffer's....
Correct viscosity, fresh oil in the sump.
Battery check/ replacement.
Beyond that, not much else.
Correct viscosity, fresh oil in the sump.
Battery check/ replacement.
Beyond that, not much else.
Originally Posted By: renegade_987
I know a few guys that hate trying to start their diesel trucks in the Iowa winter. Is there any way to make this better? I know using a thinner HDEO like 10w30 or 5w40 helps, and if you plug it in at noght, but what about if it has to sit outside not plugged in in sub-zero temps? TIA for your feedback!
Modern diesels (new injection systems, better glow plugs) are far better than older ones. But, if it's really sub-zero...you need to find a longer extension cord...or do what they do in Northern Canada/Alaska...let it idle through those exceptional nights...
I know a few guys that hate trying to start their diesel trucks in the Iowa winter. Is there any way to make this better? I know using a thinner HDEO like 10w30 or 5w40 helps, and if you plug it in at noght, but what about if it has to sit outside not plugged in in sub-zero temps? TIA for your feedback!
Modern diesels (new injection systems, better glow plugs) are far better than older ones. But, if it's really sub-zero...you need to find a longer extension cord...or do what they do in Northern Canada/Alaska...let it idle through those exceptional nights...
You can get most any auto parts store to do a load test. If low and under warranty show the them. Dealer can load test also. Usually under three years won't be any issues with batterys. You can also use a battery tender as well as a block heater. My 2003 Dodge 3500 diesel has original batterys!
Propflux01
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I know in the old days they would put a gallon of unleaded gas in the tank for cold start assist.
Back when we had 123 diesels, I'd make sure that the car sat in the garage overnight if the expected low was below 10F or so, since the garage never gets down to the lows seen outdoors.
This worked fine down to well below zero overnight temps.
Since this is not an option for you, I'd plug it in if you really need to drive the truck first thing in the morning.
Certainly use a thinner oil than a 15w40.
If you really can't plug it in and it really has to sit outside, good luck.
This worked fine down to well below zero overnight temps.
Since this is not an option for you, I'd plug it in if you really need to drive the truck first thing in the morning.
Certainly use a thinner oil than a 15w40.
If you really can't plug it in and it really has to sit outside, good luck.
5W40 synthetic diesel oil and a fuel cetane improver with a flow fuel additive. Should start as easy as any other engine.
Batteries should be at least 800 cold cranking amps!
Batteries should be at least 800 cold cranking amps!
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Back when we had 123 diesels, I'd make sure that the car sat in the garage overnight if the expected low was below 10F or so, since the garage never gets down to the lows seen outdoors.
This worked fine down to well below zero overnight temps.
Since this is not an option for you, I'd plug it in if you really need to drive the truck first thing in the morning.
Certainly use a thinner oil than a 15w40.
If you really can't plug it in and it really has to sit outside, good luck.
Keeping the valves adjusted, 5w-40 oil and decent glow plugs make 0F starts just fine even in old w123 cars.
5w-40 has made a great improvement.
Back when we had 123 diesels, I'd make sure that the car sat in the garage overnight if the expected low was below 10F or so, since the garage never gets down to the lows seen outdoors.
This worked fine down to well below zero overnight temps.
Since this is not an option for you, I'd plug it in if you really need to drive the truck first thing in the morning.
Certainly use a thinner oil than a 15w40.
If you really can't plug it in and it really has to sit outside, good luck.
Keeping the valves adjusted, 5w-40 oil and decent glow plugs make 0F starts just fine even in old w123 cars.
5w-40 has made a great improvement.
I run 5w40 synthetic, a fresh battery, and 5 good glow plugs in the '82 300D, adjusting valves also helps, it has started unassisted below 0F-but it isn't happy about it! A working block heater and a magnetic oil pan heater makes a BIG difference, even when only plugged in for 3 hours or so.
Block heater? Gas engines have them, they work wonders.
Good batteries, synthetic oil, and anti gel. Never had a problem.
Synthetic oil makes a huge difference in cranking speed, 15w40 dino is like tar at 0, a good 5w40 synthetic is still like oil at those temps.
Makes all the difference on those cold days.
I have done -5 starts with 25 year old Mercedes diesels and no block heater, at those temps they started better than my dads gas truck because I had a good synthetic in the sump. At those temps synthetic earns its keep.
Synthetic oil makes a huge difference in cranking speed, 15w40 dino is like tar at 0, a good 5w40 synthetic is still like oil at those temps.
Makes all the difference on those cold days.
I have done -5 starts with 25 year old Mercedes diesels and no block heater, at those temps they started better than my dads gas truck because I had a good synthetic in the sump. At those temps synthetic earns its keep.
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