Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cold weather ops question.

[GBrock]

After the big freeze this week, I've learned that I need to get enlightened about what to consider when running/ starting a CTD 2nd gen in the cold.



We're not use to this kind of weather down South so can some of y'all from up North chime in as to how I should efficiently get my motor warmed up?



I remember reading one member keeps his exhaust brake on. I started doing this as well. Is there anything wrong with using this technique to warm up a CTD?



Also, at what point to I need to plug in the block heater. I thought it was only if its REEEEEEEEEEEAL cold... like in the 20s or lower. This morning it was 31 during the ice storm and she had a hard time starting... I probably should've plugged her in first.



thx for the advice.

 

[JStrasser]

Even if it is at freezing- around 30-35 degrees you will get cab heat much faster if you plug in the engine heater for a couple of hours (use a timer).



Yesterday morning we had -13 and having nearly all the radiator blocked off was needed since the first part of my daily drive is mostly downhill.



Don't have an E brake (yet)



John

 

[RRees]

I plug mine in and put on a timer, however, I run longer than 2 hours. Even in my garage its only about 40 degrees.



Also, you might want to check your local diesel vendors to see if they use any type of treatment for anti-gel. If your local area doesn't usually use any anti-gel treatment, I would recommend getting some Power Service (white bottle) which has anti-gel treatment in it. I don't know at what temp non treated diesel fuel will gell up.



I also carry a 1 quart bottle of Power Service 911 (red bottle). In theory it will "non-gell" already gelled fuel.



Make sure you carry a spare fuel filter also.



Caveat: This is my first year of owning a diesel, so all this knowledge was gleaned off from other members of the TDR and a few diesel owning friends. And that knowledge can be priceless.

 

[JKinney]

I never have a hard time starting at 31 deg. Im just guessing nonwinter blend fuel? Just plug the rig in for a couple hours or get it on a timer as mentioned. I fired mine yesterday -5 fired right off, steering did not move right away as it was frozen. Clutch also felt stiff.

 

[CToney]

You guys need to come north of the 49th to see what cold is about, lately it has been -20 to -30 C (sorry we're metric but -40C is -40F) up here. These trucks will start without being plugged in when its that cold (Fords won't or 6. 5L chevy's). Heck they have a hard enough time above freezing. Run synthetics, block rad and use a fast idle. They really don't warm up till you put them under load. They get a little stiff but get them moving and they warm up.



CR Toney

 

[Mundgyver]

One little trick using the plug in block heater. If your park on the level or with the nose pointed up hill, the block heater is not too effective. Yes it works, but not as well as if you park with the nose down hill.



Putting the nose down hill with the block heater plugged in will allow the fluid to circulate through the entire block and the heater core. The truck will be much warmer when you need to start it up and your windshield will, or should already be defrosted with the rising heat from the heater core.



Just my experience with the factory block heater at -20 in McCall, Idaho.

 

[johncameron]

Cold? heres a -40 morning NOT plugged in

 

[Mundgyver]

Nice I would like to live where there is lots of snow, problem is my wife does not, something about frostbyte when she was little.

 

[DMcPherson]

it was 17 yesterday and I had no problems not plugged in. the high idle and winterfronts are life savers. the lund winterfronts are nice and definately make a huge difference.

 

[jandtjil]

If it is starting hard or rough, try cycling the grid heater twice.

Turn ign switch on and wait till grid heater light goes out, turn key back to off and repeat, then let er rip. Ericbu used to make some coldfronts that were easily removed, perfect for folks who need them every now and then.



JJ

 

[TWilkening]

It's been in the single digits here and I've had no problem starting. Just takes a little bit before the oil pressure starts to register

 

[turbo torque]

I dont plug in till around 10*f. I also take my fan OFF for winter use. Runs 180* even in traffic. And much better cab heat.

 

[CToney]

Plug her in if you can electricity is cheap compared to engine fixes. I guess if you don't plan on owning the truck forever it doesn't matter. The father in law has seen V8's that had 2 block heaters ( one a side) apart compared to one with only one block heater and he said the difference in engine wear was quite apparent. I have both a block heater and an oil pan heater (250w). Starts good and oil pressure comes up quick. Just trying to help her last a while.

 

[KDoerr]

Up in Canada It will Get cold we seen -40C to -50C and even colder with the wind. At -20C with a wind I will let her run the hole night and set the fast ide at 1100 to 1200 rpm. But I plug mine in at -5C.



Keith

 

[Mundgyver]

How much fuel do you use letting her idle like that and why not an Espar heater??