Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 97 , Won't start during winter

[mfurrh55]

I have a nephew who lives in Utah and every winter his truck won't start, starts fine when it's warm, anyway i asked him to check for engine trouble codes, he hasn't done yet, But was wondering if any others out there has had this problem and what the fix might be,I told him that i would submit to the experts(TDR Forum), Thanks in advance, Monte

 

[GAmes]

Since it is a mechanical engine there won't be any codes. I can tell you that at -15 earlier this year, while in Canada, mine started on the first turn. The engine block heater had been plugged in all night. The following morning, in ID at -5, no plug in, it took a couple tries, but started.



There are a lot of things that can cause a hard start on a 12 valve. Being cold is not normally one of them. Need more info.

 

[mfurrh55]

He said he plugged his block heater in, but still won't start, but when the temp. warms up outside , it starts right up, I told him to check his grid heater relays to see if they are working, haven't heard back from him yet, Thanks,Monte

 

[edgeman]

I would say you are on the right track with checking the grid heater relays, they dont start well with the grid not working. Also the block heater may not be working, but all of the Cummins pick ups that I have, or had, have started great, as long as the grid heater workes. The block heater helps too, but I have never used it much, cause it starts so well without it. Check those relays, & let us know what you find.

 

[Hootguy]

with a WORKING block heater it should start no problem after being plugged all night,,mine had never hesitated to start when plugged in,,,no need to cycle the grid heaters even,,,

 

[Cosmo]

I'd check the grid heater circuit, make sure the connections are all tight, make sure the fusible links are intact.

 

[mfurrh55]

He said it was snowing right now,so he can't check anything, He did say that he plugged in the block heater and it still refused to start, When the weather clears he'll check the relays, Thanks for the input, Monte

 

[Missouri Mule]

Fuel pressure test! Make sure he is getting winterized fuel, if not put some fuel additive in the tank that will raise the gelling tempature/point.

 

[mwilson]

Is the block heater working????



Also, how long is he plugging it in before attempting to start it??





Mike.

 

[GAmes]

If the block heater is working, he doesn't need the grid heaters. The air in the intake will already be warm enough. Won't start is too broad a term, that is why I said not enough info. Does the engine crank? Slow or fast? Does it try to catch? How often is it driven? Is the tank full of summer fuel? What has he done to troubleshoot so far?

 

[mwilson]

If the block heater is working, he doesn't need the grid heaters. The air in the intake will already be warm enough. Won't start is too broad a term, that is why I said not enough info. Does the engine crank? Slow or fast? Does it try to catch? How often is it driven? Is the tank full of summer fuel? What has he done to troubleshoot so far?

And another question, how cold is "when it's cold"????



Mike.

 

[mfurrh55]

I don't know if the block heater is working, but it gets down to -17 at night, He probably don't know either, he just plugs it in as far as i know, Thanks i'll relay, Monte

 

[mwilson]

I don't know if the block heater is working, but it gets down to -17 at night, He probably don't know either, he just plugs it in as far as i know, Thanks i'll relay, Monte

Easy way to test the frost plug heater, per Phillips Temro (Zero-Start)

 

[NIsaacs]

I don't know if the block heater is working, but it gets down to -17 at night, He probably don't know either, he just plugs it in as far as i know, Thanks i'll relay, Monte

Have him stick his ear under the right front fender after he plugs it in. About 5-10 seconds later, he should hear it "cooking"



Nick

 

[mfurrh55]

You know how these kids are, All they know how to do is drive em, My brother said he would check it out when it warmed up, Thanks for all the answers, Monte

 

[MLee]

Monte sent you a pm

 

[GAmes]

I don't know if the block heater is working, but it gets down to -17 at night, He probably don't know either, he just plugs it in as far as i know, Thanks i'll relay, Monte

After he plugs it in have him either check the temp with a heat gun, right at the block heater, or touch the heater surface after a minute or two. It gets hot quick. The rest of the block takes awhile.

 

[mfurrh55]

I relayed all the msgs to him, Brother is gonna take a look at it, Thnx, Monte, I got the Bro. a TDR membership for Christmas, so he ought to be on here somewhere

 

[Axtell3]

I just replaced my relays, after having similar trouble. Mine would start hard below 20. I used snowplow relays, at about 14$ a pop from NAPA.