Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold Weather and Diesel...

[johncameron]

To be honest you probably don't need to do anything. Modern diesels are a lot better at starting in cold weather than many folks seem to think. If you do a search you will find many of us have started ours without using the block heater even at 20 below zero. Be warned it will make a racket though. Power service is decent stuff & it is cheap peace of mind. But if you have any problems, I'm right across the river in NH...

Ditto to that, I live about 75 miles north in the polar country canada and since winter 2000 I've never had one issue starting my CTD. I've had countless 30-40 below startups WITHOUT being plugged in and amazingly it started. I've also boosted tons of gassers :-laf :-laf . With the right fuel and fully charged batts it will start. BTW, I only run one grid heater cycle just to save the extra juice to turn the starter faster

John

 

[J. Steve]

I have a 2000 watt power inverter in my truck that I power with an Optima blue top deep-cycle battery; I suppose I could run my extension cord out the window, and plug myself in!

I think you're on to something, have you tried this yet? I'm guessing your optima is independent of your two starting batteries, and if so is your alternator set up to charge the blue top too?

 

[ChrisOlson]

hey claykelly



wow I thought I knew a lot about batteries boy Did I learn a few things from you what kind of batteries do you use.



Even though I live in alaska I live in a climate that is tropical average temp of 43 degrees so I have not had to deal with really cold temps Spooky was not the word it was down right scary how much noise at 70 mph in -5 degree temps



thanks for replying

 

[claykelly]

hey claykelly



wow I thought I knew a lot about batteries boy Did I learn a few things from you... ... .

Wow, not trying to wind anyone up, just making an observation of the situation you were in. I don't know the technical know-how of everyone here nor to I claim to be an expert at anything, if I can offer assistance or information to someone here then great, if not, then please let it pass. Maybe, just maybe, someone else reading the post didn't know about a thing about any battery or the effect of extreme cold their efficiency. Possibly they got some information that was useful to them, that's what this board is for, or so I thought.



Sorry to offend you, my apologies.

 

[CDenton]

Fuel Treatment

I no I'll catch hell for this but if you will put about 2gl of unlead gas in a full tank of fuel that's the best fuel treatment you can get.

 

[rweis]

Sounds like someone got a little indigestion from too much turkey or ham, Oo. .



Bob weis

 

[dcamilleri]

I would like to touch on one other variable. Engine oil. When the temps get colder than 0-F 15-40 dino oil doesn't flow very well and it can really slow down the starter. Running a good synthetic is expensive, but worth it's weight in gold in cold climates in the winter since the engine spins much quicker.

 

[IC Smoke]

HOWES they ven have a guarentee about gelling! thats what myself and friends run and no problems yet!



Anyone have any good suggestions on a "Bra" for the CTD? the inserts or bra style? Ive not found any sites that have many options on this



Thanks

Ian

 

[PurdellMGP]

I would like to touch on one other variable. Engine oil. When the temps get colder than 0-F 15-40 dino oil doesn't flow very well and it can really slow down the starter. Running a good synthetic is expensive, but worth it's weight in gold in cold climates in the winter since the engine spins much quicker.

Good point regarding oil. I just asked that earlier today... I am going with synthetic this week... about $10 more per gal. but as you said, worth it.

 

[ChrisOlson]

claykelly

no no apologizes Really I did learn a lot I was not offended



and I really want to know what type of batteries you use

 

[PCarbonaro]

I think you're on to something, have you tried this yet? I'm guessing your optima is independent of your two starting batteries, and if so is your alternator set up to charge the blue top too?

Steve, the deep cycle Optima is not dependent on the truck at all. I periodically (actually, very infrequently) charge it using a heavy duty (12 amp) battery charger that goes to trickle charge once the battery is charged up. I'll just have to see how many times I can use the block heater overnight before it starts getting the Optima down to a low level. But then again, it is a deep cylcle battery, and can handle deep levels of discharge. Didn't try this yet.

 

[RSarvie]

I would like to touch on one other variable. Engine oil. When the temps get colder than 0-F 15-40 dino oil doesn't flow very well and it can really slow down the starter. Running a good synthetic is expensive, but worth it's weight in gold in cold climates in the winter since the engine spins much quicker.

I also, always ask at hotels, if they have electrical outlet access. If not, I do what was already mentioned, find an outlet and slip the cord out the window.



As far as the oil, I take two extension cords with me everywhere. One for the block heater, and another to address the 15-40. I bought one of those magnet auto heaters and attach that to the bottom of the oil pan. That thing gets HOT! My personal temp limits are down to +10F I plug in the block heater, anything below that, both block heater and oil pan magnet. It's sat in -20'sF for extended periods,(Days) and no problems so far. I always use power service plus also, 365 days a year, FWIW.



Interesting battery lesson, good to know. Thanks!

 

[rkressg]

I no I'll catch hell for this but if you will put about 2gl of unlead gas in a full tank of fuel that's the best fuel treatment you can get.

A friend of mine works for a local dairy and he told me that is what they do with their fuel for the winter.

-Rich

 

[PurdellMGP]

People actually mix unleaded with diesel? No problems with the motor or fuel system???

 

[WestTN]

I think the stock engine heater is 375 watts.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

One of my friends use to have an Izusu diesel pick up and it said in the owners manual to mix gas with the diesel in the winter up to a 50/50 mixture.

 

[HC]

From the Chevron website:

*********************************************

I accidentally mixed gasoline with my diesel. What can I do?

One percent or less gasoline will lower the flash point of a gasoline/diesel fuel blend below the specification minimum for diesel fuel. This will not affect the fuel's engine performance, but it will make the fuel more hazardous to handle. Larger amounts of gasoline will lower the viscosity and/or cetane number of the blend below the specification minimums for diesel fuel. These changes can degrade combustion and increase wear. *********************************************



Don't forget - some diesel injection systems are more tolerant of low lubricity than others. Some engines can burn kerosene, for others it is bad news.

For the 24 valve engines, lubricity is pretty darn important in the long life equation. Would I mix gas in with my diesel? If I considered it to be some type of emergency situation, yes, I would consider it. But if you prepare in advance, you should always have access to one of the treatments designed for the purpose of enhancing the cold weather properties, and shouldn't have to resort to gasoline. Mixing in some kerosene is another practice that is recommended for some diesels including the old Izuzus, but again is something I wouldn't recommend with a 24 valve Cummins.

 

[OTRPU]

I took alittle different approach to the cold start problem, had an ESPAR Hydronic IV installed. Now, no cold starts. Keeps the engine warm. But I imagine if I leave it on program and not run the truck for several days the batteries could run down to a point where spinning a warm engine could be a problem. I found out you can't leave the key turned on for 34 hours and expect the batteries to be able to start the engine. DUH. On another vein I'm alittle concerned that my regulator may not be working properly. My BrakeSmart controller indicates a range from 14. 1 to 14. 9 vdc. Seems high to me. Anybody know the spec for the charge range for the 99 Ram alternator?



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[GKinney]

charging voltage

OTRPU,,,,, not sure what the specified voltages are with out digging out my service manual... but I know mine runs about 14-14. 1 in the summer... and as high as 14. 6 volts in the winter. It is controlled by the PCM with many factors to determine the charging voltage..... battery(s) condition, load on the system... and ambient air temp. Temp sensor is located under driver side battery. Hope this helps. Have a Happy New Year!!