Remote Starter

[mantonetz]

Hello guys,

After about a year or two of reading the outstanding posts I decided to join up. My question is ... ... Is it possible to install a remote start unit on the diesel engine? I do get cold weather up here in CT. Is there a unit that has a delay circuit for the heaters? Thanks for all the help thus far!!

Marc

 

[EOliver]

Yes you can add a remote start to a diesel now with no problems. Most remote start systems now offer a sense lead that is triggered when the Wait To Start lamp goes out. So no matter if it is warm or cold the starter won't crank until that light goes out. I have had great luck with DEI alarms/remote starts.

 

[MCummings]

I don't know if the same holds true with the 12V'ers but I know I can idle my Truck all day long and the Engine temp won't come off of the lowest temp. (I think 140*) Even in 90* weather.



If I know what I'm saying,, Diesels need a load to warm up, unless you have some other method to warming the motor,, Block Heaters, Oil pan heaters, etc. etc.



But, I can heat my truck up to 160* within about 1 minute or so, by putting a heavy load on it.



There was a thread somewhere here @ TDR about idling a diesel,, and idling a diesel to let it warm up. General audience said that the Diesel won't warm up unless under a load,, some guys are barely waiting for oil pressure to come up before headin' out.



My out of forum $. 02



MerrickNJr

 

[mantonetz]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help. The only thing I worry about is the Idling in the clod with no load. I don't have a E-brake or anything to preload the engine. Is it safe to idle for 10-15 minutes in the cold?

Thanks

 

[EOliver]

I would have to say no. I would not idle more than 5 minutes at a time if possible. My cold start procedure: start the truck wait for oil pressure to come up, and then idle at 1200 rpm for about 2 minutes... start down the road nice and easy for a couple miles. My warm weather start procedure: about the same, but never more than 2 minutes... . NEVER.

 

[illflem]

It's probably ok to idle for 10-15 minutes after the truck has warmed up, but I see no reason to do it. Idling when the engine is cold will get you nowhere, it won't warm up. This can cause what is called washdown, due to incomplete combustion, diesel fuel on the cylinder walls washes the motor oil off leaving little cylinder lubrication. The unburned diesel can then enter the crankcase diluting your motor oil. Extended idling while the engine is cold is not a good idea at all, wait a few seconds for the oil pressure to come up then drive it. Try not to exceed 2000 rpm until the coolant temp comes up.

 

[mantonetz]

Everything you guys said makes complete sense. I guess the remote starter is really only good for the summer when you would want to cool the truck off. I wouldn't want to risk washdown from cold idle. I usually start, idle up to 1100 after oil pressure, wait 1-2 minutes then go. Thanks guys!