Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) cold starting tips

[Wyomingcowboy]

Lots of positive stories of very cold starting on here. Mine has been less than sensational..... a large part of my problems have come from lack of battery power. (Going on year #7... it's about time to replace them but, provided I plug in, that will wait until next fall!)

Anyway, 2 weeks ago in -5 temps I couldn't get started. I needed a serious jump after killing the batteries. I cycled the grid heaters twice and still had to crank for close to 20 seconds before the CTD ran on it's own. (Once it did get going it ran like a champ though)

Anybody have any ideas as to why I have so much trouble? I know alot of you start in colder temps than that on a regular basis.

 

[johncameron]

CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES!!!!!



If it doesn't turn over it won't start!!!!!



If you live in a cold climate, use synthetic oil.

 

[bnbrown]

I would second on the batts... If it isnt cranking easy thats probably where I would start. My dying VP didnt like to start at under 30*, but the truck would crank fine then start, stutter and smoke like crazy.

 

[MamthTorq]

I am sure batteries would help, however it does not seem right that you are having to crank it for 20 seconds before lift off. I started mine the other morning when it was -10 (with a low of -15 about an hour earlier) cycled the heaters twice, and it fired just about immediately. She ran rough for few mins, then smoothed out. 20 seconds just does not sound right to me. I do have synthetic oil which I am sure helps... just not sure how much.

 

[cojhl2]

I've read numerous times you must spin a diesel at least 200RPM to start it.



If those bats are 7yrs old my bet is that they are shot.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Was able to start my '96 in the morning at 0F after -5 with one battery. Only gave the grids 3-4 seconds then started cranking so I'd have enough juice. Cranked darned slow but lit right off then died. Hit the starter again & it took off. Chuggety chugged with smoke for a few seconds.

In mild weather the '96 will light off when the battery can barely turn it over. 24-valves probably have to spin over a lot faster.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

You live in Wyoming and you DON'T want to buy new batteries?



You got bigger ones than I do.

 

[2-ND TIME]

Cold starting

Well it is -35*C here so it is cold. Well first thing to have is are battery warmers @ 90 watts each. Block heater and oil pan warmer. The next truck is going to have a 2nd block heater for when it is colder then -25C. Syn oils are much better. Give the engine lots of time to warmup needle come off the bottom peg . Something to reduce the air flow throught the rad.

 

[MCummings]

If the motor does not turn over fast enough, the ECM will not give the command to fire the injection pump.



On my truck, when the battery (single) was dying, the truck would crank for several seconds, then fire, because it was cranking to slow. (that was 90* weather mind you)



I'd say thin up the oil, and replace the batteries. Or, unplug the intake heater, and start it on ether? (that wouldn't be very good for the motor at all. )



Merrick

 

[DPellegrin]

The obvious ideas have been suggested. The only fuel additive that I have used that has worked as advertised is a cetane enhancer. Maybe double-up on the concentration if it's going to be in the below -0F temps.



Also cranking the engine with low batteries or one battery is hard on the starter motor. One of reasons there are two batteries is so the starter motor does not see excessive current (heat).



Regards,