Quick question about Grid Heater starts in cold weather.

[RUSSELL5000]

It gets cold here sometimes. I have started at fifteen below no problem with the regular cycle. No problem at all. I do plug in the block heater but only because it comes up to temp quicker (and makes my wife happy when truck warm right away).

 

[jhenderson]

I have seen 4BT and 6BT powered construction equipment as new as 06ish With no grid heaters and they start just fine in below zero weather. As you said, they are primarily there to aid in combustion for emissions purpose, once Cummins went to the 6.7 and DPF grid heaters came along also.

Grid heaters have been a part of these trucks sence 1989.

 

[AH64ID]

Grid heaters have been a part of these trucks sence 1989.

I think he’s talking about industrial ISBs and QSBs.

Cummins advertises the ISB/QSB as not needing any starting aid above 10°F. The grid heater has been on the pickup since ‘89 but not all ISB/6BT/etc.

 

[jhenderson]

Now that I re read his post I'm sure you're correct. His reference was purely to off road. I've never seen a grid heater on a 4or 6 BT in logging or construction equipment. He's also correct when stating they start fine. I've seen -15f and a Clark 666 start without starting fluid or a jump. A little smoke and rough for 5-10 seconds is all. Our trucks have always been the same way. Plenty of folks disable the heater for their own reasons. The trucks start fine.

 

[rrnut-2]

Construction equipment that I have seen and used that have the 4BT and the 6BT have the grid heaters. Usually you have to turn the key to on and then push the key in for 10-20 seconds and then start. The light for the heaters will glow on the dash when the key is pushed in.

 

[AH64ID]

Construction equipment that I have seen and used that have the 4BT and the 6BT have the grid heaters. Usually you have to turn the key to on and then push the key in for 10-20 seconds and then start. The light for the heaters will glow on the dash when the key is pushed in.

Sounds like an option, and not ECM controlled.

I'd love it if our trucks had a push button for the grid heater.

I've edited mine quite a bit over the factory programming and now it doesn't come on above 32°F and for a much shorter duration until it's really cold. I still don't have access to the post-heat tables thou.

 

[rrnut-2]

I won a 100 bucks from a logger betting on that once. The skidder had the 6BT, it was 10 degs and he said it won't start without heating it with a propane heater for an hour. I bet him it would, climb into the seat and within 30 seconds it was running. Boy he was mad for all of the time that he had wasted.

 

[MackB]

Thanks for the response. By turn Key on. Do you mean hold it in the start position? Or Bump it to start and back to run and wait?

Turn your key till the dash lights up. Look for the wait to start light. When I it goes off you can turn on the starter. With my 01 the time varies with the outside temp. When it is really cold I cycle 2 or 3 times, saves the starter

 

[rrnut-2]

I usually will cycle mine twice when it gets down to 0 degs or colder. But, with the push button start, it is hard to catch in order to do that.

 

[AH64ID]

I usually will cycle mine twice when it gets down to 0 degs or colder. But, with the push button start, it is hard to catch in order to do that.

The ECM is programmed to run the grid heater longer when it's colder out. There isn't a need for dual cycling.

 

[rashwor]

Construction equipment that I have seen and used that have the 4BT and the 6BT have the grid heaters. Usually you have to turn the key to on and then push the key in for 10-20 seconds and then start. The light for the heaters will glow on the dash when the key is pushed in.

We have a JD tractor that has a fuel heater, but not grids that operates this way.

 

[Newsa]

The ECM is programmed to run the grid heater longer when it's colder out. There isn't a need for dual cycling.

My understanding is the ECM will run the grid heater even after starting if needed?

 

[AH64ID]

My understanding is the ECM will run the grid heater even after starting if needed?

Correct, and it's generally not needed and just for emissions.

 

[TSkoropad]

Don't Over Think This

Don't over think this. I'll pipe in from Northern Ontario, where temperatures can regularly get down to -30C/-22F for weeks at a time. -40C/-40F is also not uncommon. I've never in 6 1/2 years had a cold start issue. Use the remote start, and let the grid heater do it's job. The truck will idle up soon after start and the grid heater likely cycle several times for the first few minutes. My general rule of thumb, is that I plug in if the forecast temp is below -18C/0F. I also run synthetic 15W-40 year round. Anti-gel for that American blended fuel is a must if you ever head north of the border.

 

[Newsa]

Don't over think this. I'll pipe in from Northern Ontario, where temperatures can regularly get down to -30C/-22F for weeks at a time. -40C/-40F is also not uncommon. I've never in 6 1/2 years had a cold start issue. Use the remote start, and let the grid heater do it's job. The truck will idle up soon after start and the grid heater likely cycle several times for the first few minutes. My general rule of thumb, is that I plug in if the forecast temp is below -18C/0F. I also run synthetic 15W-40 year round. Anti-gel for that American blended fuel is a must if you ever head north of the border.

Interesting. About the 15w-40 in Canada winters. I decided to go with a mix of 15w-40 &5w-40. And I won't be getting anywhere near Canada. I guess I thought the 5w-40 would help protect during cold starts where engine wear occurs the fastest. And the 15w-40 would be best (protect the best) for the long driving days while engine is hot

 

[fest3er]

The only time you'll have trouble starting with or without grid heaters is when your batteries/starter are weak and cannot turn the engine fast enough to sufficiently heat the charge air during compression; the piston/cylinder/head will suck the heat out of the air faster than compression can heat it. And fuel atomization will be rather sub-par when the engine turns too slowly.

 

[TSkoropad]

Interesting. About the 15w-40 in Canada winters. I decided to go with a mix of 15w-40 &5w-40. And I won't be getting anywhere near Canada. I guess I thought the 5w-40 would help protect during cold starts where engine wear occurs the fastest. And the 15w-40 would be best (protect the best) for the long driving days while engine is hot

To quote the FSM (at least the Canadian version) if there is such. Extended temps below -18C/0F 5W-40 Syn recommended, -18C/0F and over 15W-40 Dino oil. I run 15W-40 Syn for the better flow characteristics at low temps. Matter of fact the 15W-40 Syn is only what the dealer uses. Key here is that I plug in once the temp is below -18C/0F, so it really doesn't really matter about cold start. -18C/0F has been the rule I've followed for every truck I've owned, gas or diesel, and I've never had a major engine issue. Tons of Cummins powered logging contractor trucks on the road up here in cold conditions with no major issues. Once again, don't think too deeply into this. If your batteries are strong, you won't have a problem.

 

[Whitewolf]

Wow Newsa! Lots of posts and discussion to your question.

So, I'll add my 2c.


Live in Michigans U.P. and we see our fair share of cold weather like some of the other guys from the north.


Plugging in really does help with the morning startups. Not only that but the cabin heats up quicker. Your wife might like that. Mine does.

Having a grill cover does help heat things up faster also. Geno's has them and your dealer might. Mine came with one since I opted for the 'Cold weather package'. It has 4 flaps you can open or close depending on the temp.
If in doubt about whether to use the grid heater or not. Use it, it won't hurt anything. Turn your key to the on position, but don't start it. Grid heater will turn on and so will the light showing it's on. When light goes off, start your truck as you normally would.

Depending on temp, heater may cycle on and off a few times. If it's dark you'll see the headlights dim then brighten. You also can watch your volt meter. Mine goes from just over 12V to 14.2V I wait for things to settle down before I take off. You don't have to if you don't want to. I only drive a couple of miles to work and I haven't had a battery problem yet. I usually wait til water temp gets above 70 before I go. Plugging in REALLY reduces warm up time.

Used to live in central Illinois (til I escaped almost 25 years ago) and most times it never got real cold. Some days yes, most days no. Where are you heading?

As for oil, I run 5w-40 synthetic year round.

 

[Newsa]

Good discussion. Learned from your experiences and insight. Batteries are only 4 months old.

If my concentric water pump doesn't fail, I think I'm good to go for our winter trip

 

[Whitewolf]

My understanding is there were less than 10 water pump failures.