Loud Engine on Cold Start-up

[Buffalo]

I have an '03, HO, 6-sp. , 3500. I live in Phoenix, AZ. where it's really not very cold. During cold starts the engine sounds like my '91. 5 W-250. My guess is that the pilot injection does not work on these cold start-ups. Depending on how cold it is, it may take 1/4 to 1/2 mile of driving and the loudness goes away. It seems like once the engine starts to warm-up a bit the pilot injection starts working.

Do you guys notice this, also?

I have to take the truck in for some warranty work (smoked the block heater the first time I plugged it in), and would like this problem (if it is a problem) taken care of at the same time.

I have not seen a TSB regarding this. Do you know if there is one?

Thanks for your help! Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Matt400]

During cold starts the engine sounds like my '91. 5 W-250. Do you guys notice this, also?

I have noticed that and also confirmed using the block heater quiets that.

I have never been one for fuel additives on a regular basis but lately have tried some and I believe the added Cetane lowers the ignition point giving a more quiet combustion. Give some a try, just make sure its a Cetane booster.



The Cetane boost (for me) makes the engine sound the the same as if the block heater was used when it wasn't.

 

[Buffalo]

Matt400,

Thanks for the reply.

I tried my block heater,just to see if and how it worked, a while back and when I plugged it in there was a big puff of white smoke that came out of the engine compartment (rt. side) and the circuit breaker, on the house, blew. This was the first time I had ever tried it. I wanted to see if the "pre-warmed engine" still made the non-pilot injected engine sound.

I have tried Redline Catalyst additive and that did nothing for the louder engine sound.

Actually, I like the louder sound of the engine but, if there is something wrong with it I would like to have it repaired while still under warranty. I just don't know if this louder sound is normal, or not. If not, I would like to be able to defend myself at the dealership with a little bit of knowledge. That's where you guys, I hope, can help me out.

Thanks, again. Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[CMckee]

how cold does it get in phoenix? should hear mine when i start it up @ -20c

(-5 for those of you south of the border), i don't usually plug it in unless it is going below -20, it starts great and puts out some white smoke for a minute or so. it gets a little noisy for the first little bit then just smooths out. i switch my oil to 10-30 from december to february when we can get weeks of -40. i also use a fuel additive all year that boosts cetane and lubricity as well as gel proofing. my oil additive also makes it run really smooth.

 

[Matt400]

when I plugged it in there was a big puff of white smoke that came out of the engine compartment (rt. side) and the circuit breaker, on the house, blew.

Wow! that must have got your attention. It doesn't get very cold where I am but does snow in the winter. I plug in if temps are going to be 35 or lower just so I can have a heater in the Cab, It's just 7 miles to work. I use a timer so its never on longer than 3 hrs. I ordered a cold front for when its in the 20's but haven't got it... guess they are sending them to the true cold zones first.

 

[Buffalo]

It doesn't get too cold here in Phoenix. Lately, the lows have been in the mid 40's. I just wanted to try the block heater to see how warm it gets the engine. Was quite surprised at the mushroom cloud coming out of the engine compartment!

I feel for you guys in the cold country. I grew up in Detroit, MI. and have a pretty good idea of what cold weather is.

Now that I think of it, i've never tried the block heater on my old '91. 5 W-250. Better check that one out, also.

Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[MMeier]

Hey Joe, mine does the same, reminds me of my older trucks, 'cept those did not quiet down when they warmed up ! :-laf I wouldn't worry about it at all, I was just down at Speedworld this past weekend with the racer, should be down in Tucson next month with it, maybe I'll give you a shout on the way through and see what you're up to ! Mark

 

[Buffalo]

Hi, Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like it might be normal for these engines to be loud on cold starts.

If you are in Phoenix, give me a shout. I'd be glad to see you again. I think the last time I saw you was at Thunder in Muncie, last June. Are you going again this year. Sounds like it's going to be at Indy.

Thanks, again, for the reply. Nice to hear from you.

Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[MMeier]

Yep, as of now, I plan on going!!