Is there a Rev limiter associated with ambient temperature...?

[fkovalski]

This AM at 6:30, the OH outside temperature read -24*... . I had to cycle the grids 3 times even with the block heater plugged in for 6 hours. The truck really groaned to get going. the biggest noticeable condition for the temps were: the clutch fluid was thick as the pedal action was slow... AND... it would not rev over 2K rpm! This was after idling for about 10 minutes and 5 minutes of slow driving till I got to a raod allowing 50MPH. As I was shifting through the gears to get up to speed I noticed the "governor" type sensation.



Is this normal?

 

[RankRam]

It sounds to me like the fuel is gelling.

 

[fkovalski]

It sounds to me like the fuel is gelling.

If it were gelling, would it even run at all?

 

[RMachida]

I would wonder if something is amiss as well. We had several days where the outside temps were below -30 F and I had no isues at all starting and driving. The first couple of shifts were a bit more difficult (just had to shift slow) but no drivability issues at all. Since I plug it in if the temps are below zero, I don't cycle the intake heaters and it starts easily. No additional noise or rough running. Just idling with the exhaust brake on, it warms up nicely in about 15 minutes (not fully but enough to warm up the cab significantly).



In addition to the stock block heater, I've added a 75w pad heater to the oil pan as well as under both batteries.

 

[MCrossley]

The fuel might be at that point where it has not fully gelled but is close and is not flowing throught the fuel system all that well...

 

[RankRam]

The fuel might be at that point where it has not fully gelled but is close and is not flowing throught the fuel system all that well...

Yeah that is what I meant to say, the fuel is on the verge of being gelled.

 

[silverram03]

At work this morning -15 outside we had about 5 trucks with plugged fuel filters. They all idled fine but would sputter during a rev up condition. We addded power service and put a little heat on the filter and all was well. I think that was the problem Frank.

 

[BHolm]

I had -19F on the overhead. The truck was not plugged in, I ran the grid once. It turned a little slow but caught and ran fine. I warmed it up for less than 10 minutes with the high idle and exh-brake. The only sign of the cold was the reluctance of the auto to grab fourth until it warmed up for a few miles.



I really think the 5W- synthetic oil is helping. I read so many accounts of hard starting even when plugged in. It is supposed to start un-aided to -20F. Mine so far has delivered on that.



I would suspect near gelled fuel as well. If you are anywhere near 10k miles on the fuel filter, I would change it. I've had that make all the difference... of course that was on a Ford and a couple D-maxes

 

[fkovalski]

I ran the truck at noon time and it ran fine. I did park it with the front facing the morning sun. I will change the fuel filter as it just turned 10K miles.



If this were gelling (I am surpised it ran at all) was there any potential damage incurred bu running the fuel in this semi solid state.

 

[BHolm]

With a diesel overfuelling will cause problems but generally if there is a limited supply of fuel, you get just what happened, limited power. It should not have hurt a thing. Swap out the fuel filter and pray for warmer weather! I think we have a warm-up coming, it was REALLY nice yesterday down here and +10F this morning

 

[fkovalski]

,,, Swap out the fuel filter and pray for warmer weather! I think we have a warm-up coming, it was REALLY nice yesterday down here and +10F this morning

Yes, we too are up to a balmy +14 this AM. Looks to be a good ski weekend (Psst... Denver skiers... stay home and do Xmas shopping :-laf )



Other than good maintainance practice... . WHY should one replace the fuel filter after a gelling situation? Does it reduce the effectiveness of the filter?