Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) smarty timing in cold weather

[DIESELWRKS]

is there a problem to drive with smarty timing with the engine not at op-temp with when outside temps are between 30-50 degrees... is this a no no. I usually keep the truck under 2000 rpm when the truck is cold but do I need to turn off the smarty untill warm...

Thanks. .







2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-FE SMARTY TST PM3 MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 "SILVERLINE D/PRICOL PYRO,BOOST,FUEL FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, VULCAN 3/8 FUEL LINE AND FITTINGS, DSS 03 TRAC-BAR DSS BOX TURN-OVER BALL, RIDE RITE AIR BAGS. SUPPORT 17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 315/70/17 MICKTHOM BMTZ'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT AND DE-BADGED FOR FUEL MILEAGE. :-laf

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I know there is some smarty guru's out there. .come on I know we are all itching for more smarty comments. . lol. .

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

A few engines with base timing slightly off to the advance side from the factory have demonstrated a tendency to random "missing" at very low temps, at least with the Edge Comp, especially noticeable and objectionable when heavily loaded or towing. Dunno if that same tendency is also true with the Smarty when it is used to advance timing or not.



The only fix I've seen (and installed!) to date for the Comp, is a resistor switched in parallel with the IAT to "fool" the ECM into thinking it's warmer than it really is - but dunno if the Smarty needs the same "cure" or not...

 

[DIESELWRKS]

Im not having any issues I just wanted to know if using timing during cold weather for a long period of time will create a issue

 

[darkhorse]

is there a problem to drive with smarty timing with the engine not at op-temp with when outside temps are between 30-50 degrees... is this a no no. I usually keep the truck under 2000 rpm when the truck is cold but do I need to turn off the smarty untill warm...

Thanks. .





I've driven mine with a Smarty at -20 with no problems.

 

[Boondocker]

is there a problem to drive with smarty timing with the engine not at op-temp with when outside temps are between 30-50 degrees... is this a no no. I usually keep the truck under 2000 rpm when the truck is cold but do I need to turn off the smarty untill warm...

Thanks. .

How would you "turn off the Smarty until warm"?



I have an HO truck, which has more timing advance than an SO truck (VP44 & ECM). I really don't like any more timing, except #3 when towing. I notice more timing "rattle" in the cold (40*) mornings, then it subsides as the motor warms to normal temp.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

what I meant was if the truck is cold and its 30 degrees outside drive the truck untill I know I have a opt warm temp truck then put the smarty sw on. like your truck I do get alot of cold knock which goes partial away when the truck warms up. this is why I am asking if having this cold knock is this bad on the motor? should I have the smarty software off the truck until it warm... .

thanks for the replies...

 

[WrenchRat]

is there a problem to drive with smarty timing with the engine not at op-temp with when outside temps are between 30-50 degrees... is this a no no. I usually keep the truck under 2000 rpm when the truck is cold but do I need to turn off the smarty untill warm...
Thanks. .

I have had zero problems with the Smarty in cold midwest weather. I typically run SW#1 (fuel saver) or SW#5. Cold knock in cold weather is a fact of life with a diesel. Whether a modest timing advance causes any significant issues in cold whether, I'll leave to Marco to answer. In my thinking it would actually be a HELP.

As for cold weather operation and minimizing cold 'knock': Plug that puppy in overnight, especially if you don't have heated garage . Even with my heated garage, I use an industrial strength timer so I can control the cycling of the block heater during the night. This allows me to plug it in and forget about it as well as extending the life of the heating element. If you are in an outdoor condition, the timer can be put under the hood (for weather resistance and avoiding sticky fingers) and removed in the morning. This will give you; less knock, less smoke at startup, a warm heater:-laf and a fully functional defroster. While I've never checked it, it would be logical that you would get better fuel economy with a pre-warmed powerplant.

The second part of my cold weather routine is to use my PacBrake to gently load the engine at idle during the first couple of minutes of operation. I don't idle more than a minute or two depending on outside temp. I have the advantage of a long lane and country roads where I can poke as necessary at idle with the PacBrake on.

Third, block the radiator. This should be done judiciously. It's best to have an 'adjustable' front cover so that you can regulate how much cold crosses the aftercooler and radiator. Mounting the cover on the grill gives a little margin for error of air circulation even if the cover is fully closed. Always keep a close eye on your temp gauge when running the cover. Yes, you can use cardboard in a pinch. I like to run a cover in the winter and a screen in the summer.

Just my . 02. Hope this helps.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

WrenchRat.

thanks the the input. I do use my block heater. and yes it does help I dont have a exhaust-brake but I will be looking into a winter front. I dont think they are that much money if they are I got tape and cardboard at my house. ha. as for the cold knock I do know its louder when the engine is cold, even louder when its damn cold outside. So the verdict is the smarty Timing in cold shouldn't hurt a thing.



thanks

 

[NoSeeUm]

I've driven mine with a Smarty at -20 with no problems.

Same here.



The only time I had any timing stutter was when I was testing out the Fuel Saver, had the TST turned up and I got in it hard. The OAT that day was 65F or so.



Jim

 

[DIESELWRKS]

NoSeeUm.

thanks. . I havent had any stutter problems. some day I will get to have Rip put in the twins. probley will do the cam as well as the springs. but thats when I get some money... If you ever come through roseburg and happen to go to the Roseburg Va. thats were I work. I would gladly like to stare at your engine. a drool. take it easy

 

[CToney]

Advanced timing helps with cold starts and with making the engine run better when cold. The first gen trucks had a cold start solenoid which advanced the timing when cold. They smoke less than second gen 12v's with their static timing. Use 0w40 or 5w40 synthetic will help the cold weather starts. Retarded timing is usually the cause of white smoke and rough running when cold. Our Kubota tractor smokes a fair bit when it is well below freezing. It has retarded timing to meet new emission regulations (lower Nox's).

 

[NoSeeUm]

NoSeeUm.

thanks. . I havent had any stutter problems. some day I will get to have Rip put in the twins. probley will do the cam as well as the springs. but thats when I get some money... If you ever come through roseburg and happen to go to the Roseburg Va. thats were I work. I would gladly like to stare at your engine. a drool. take it easy

Take it easy yourself. I seldom get over that way, if I do and have time I will look you up.



Jim