Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) cold, high altitude start up problem

[jgraber]

We've recently went skiing (I live in CO), and on two separate occasions the truck had a rough time at start up. The first it was white smoking quite a bit, running not too good (missing). After we started to go and the truck warmed up a bit, it cleared up and was fine. That happened after sitting most of the day at the ski resort. The second time was after sitting all night at the lodge. Upon start up, it was white smokin more than a train-filled the parking lot instantly, running VERY terrible, missing like crazy, seemed to be barely running. I waited a short time, and was worried so I shut it off. After a short wait I restarted and the symptoms were much the same as the first time that it happened. The truck was not plugged in, because I wasn't at home, but even at home on occasions when I've not plugged it in and it's been cold I've had no unusual problems. Any ideas on what this all about?! Sorry for the long post. P. S. I have a 2001 2500 4x4 5spd w/ Banks Power Pack. Thanks for any help.

 

[SOOT]

What were the temps? If in the single digits or lower then that is normal for the high elevation. After it starts slowly increase the RPM's to about 1200 and hold until it smoothes out.

 

[dpope]

Here is a thread started awhile back that might help:



High Altitude

 

[InThinAir]

I live at a hair below 10k above sea level. The only time I have seen this problem is if I left my engine oil in past a reasonable drain interval. This sounds strange to me also. But I believe it probably has to do with the consistancy of the oil in the cold after the oil has past its prime. It just doesn't flow good when it is cold.



This is a stretch I know, but I have started this truck many many times forgeting to plug it in and haven't had a problem. In fact this morning the gasser wouldn't start... Single digit temps and the battery is original, 7 year old 155k miles. So I had to take the diesel. I hadn't plugged it in. Started right up and I drove away, no problems.



But I could be totally wrong! Wouldn't be the first time.



---Doug