Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck barely started, very cold temps

[dslmacdown]

This afternoon I went to start the truck and it was about 0F. I cycled the grids twice and the engine cranked slowly tried to run but as soon I released the key it died. Shut off key and cycled grid one time and cranked slowly trying to run again. On about the fifth try the engine slowly came to life on it's own. I ran it about two minutes with it misfiring. Shut it off and restarted this time the engine was running smoothly. Truck ramped up to high idle by itself while I cleaned off the snow. Drove around for about an hour to recharge batteries. Then topped off the tank with straight #1 fuel, about 10 gals. Now last winter in the same weather I couldn't start the truck at all. It would just crank, and crank without firing. I plan my next oil change to switch to 5w40 rotella for a while. I think at this is primarily a fuel problem I think the area's winter blend sucks. The batteries are stock and about 4 yrs old. I can't buy new batteries because I am unemployed, the truck is parked on the street and I can't plug it in. Any other members in the area having trouble with very cold starting? Will the 5w40 oil help spin the engine faster?

Chris

 

[Partyat33]

I know you don't want to hear this but new batteries will solve your problem. I got the cheap one, not Optimas, and they made a world of difference. Sorry to hear of your problems.



Dennis

 

[Joe Mc]

Chris - I'd say batteries are being drained due to the grids being cycled so much. Since they are the originals they're probably about ready to go. In an effort to not "have to" replace them right now, is there any possible way you can run an extension out to it? Even if it you had to run a 100' cord out a window down a tree to the front of the truck it would keep it warm enough to allow your aging batteries to get it started.



My original batteries died in the spring of 03 after a winter of not plugging it in when at work. If you can manage to somehow get a "life line" out to the truck it'll truly help those batteries last a while longer. And, to keep your electric bill at bay you can use a cheap clock timer to turn the block heater on before you leave, usually 3 - 4 hours is all that's needed. Best regards.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Do we realy know that the grids are working... or is the light just functioning without actual heat being generated? Does the volt meter stay way down around 8-9 when heating and first running or does it come up to the 13-14 range and stay there?



Trying to get a life-line to the rig is a very good idea



Steve

 

[dslmacdown]

Steve,



Yes, the grids are working. Still no practical way to get a extension cord outside without leaving the front door wide open.

 

[JFaughn]

You said it yourself , the truck turned over slowly, that means the batteries no 2 ways about it , and if you can'nt aford new ones and your unemployed ,that means you are not in a hurry in the morrning , so bring your batteries in at night and put on a trickle charger, the main point here is that the batteries need to be warm , they will lose 80% at 0 deg. and thats if there new , if you spend a little then go to a place like , here we have no tool and get the battery maintainer the one that is using a pusle charge and that is for desolving the sulfating of the plates , but again if nothing els just keep them warm.

 

[JKinney]

And yes thinner oil will help any engine start better. I put 5w40 in my diesel tractor already because it will not turn over good with 15 40



But it sounds like you do need batteries

 

[johncameron]

I never cycle my grid heaters twice. I figure it's better to save the power for cranking! If the engine will turn fast enough it will start. Knock on wood, this will be my 6th winter without one letdown! And yes CAnada can get COOOOOLD!



JC

 

[dslmacdown]

Well this morning it was below zero and I needed to go to the store for some milk. The truck cranked very slowly and wouldn't start, now the batteries are dead for sure. Good news I found a way to plug the heater in, I converted one of my front pouch lights into a outlet and a 50ft cord to reach. I have it plugged now and am going to try and start it later tonight. Thanks to everyone for replying.



Chris

 

[Mingoglia]

I live in Phoenix so I don't start my truck that often in the cold but I have left mine at -8 overnight back east and it started fine without being plugged in. Yeah, it felt like the engine wanted to jump through the hood, but it ran and didn't stall. I also frequently go to the mountains here in AZ and start in the cold high elevation. Just last weekend I started it at 4 degrees after sitting overnight at 8k elevation... . no problem at all.

 

[dslmacdown]

Well I think this is a little strange I ran the block heater for only an hour. Did one grid cycle and cranked easy. High idled (1200 rpms) for half an hour to recharge batteries and warm up engine. Shut down and unplugged heater, right now it is -16F. Will try again in the morning, thinking batteries are weak. Strong enough at warm temps but too weak at single digit temps and colder? I believe that the engine has to reach 300 rpms to light on it's own.

 

[BK]

It's not strange that the block heater worked and solved your problem...

Also try going to a synthetic oil for the winter.



But between the dino oil thickening up and adding to the load for cranking (much more than you can imagine). .

The capacity of the batteries being about 1/2 - 1/3 of what they should be due to cold weather and probably needing to be replaced.



All addess up to your starting problem IMHO.



The warmed up oil probably got you over the edge... and allowed the engine to turn easier, since the thinner oil required less peak current from the batteries and the warmer engine needed less grid on time.

If the batteries drop too low during cranking, you wont have the voltage needed for the electronics to work and fueling and such will be messed up and it may crank real slow, but never start or continue to run. . or maybe run as you experianced before - not well.



The manual recommends to use the block heater at temps lower than 40DegF!

 

[Cummins724]

i know you said you can't afford it, but they are right it's the batteries. I recently went to Advance Auto & bought one of their [still good batteries] for $20. they have them at all their stores, batteries that people traded that are still good, I guess, but they come with 3 month warranty. just to let ya know.

 

[Sageair]

I can't really help you with the no start problem but I might be able to help you with the unemployed part. If you are willing to move. The gold mines here are starving for help. I think a haul pak driver starts at like $17. 00 an hour. Besides Winnemucca is a nice place to live. PM me if i can help. Steve

 

[JFaughn]

I can't really help you with the no start problem but I might be able to help you with the unemployed part. If you are willing to move. The gold mines here are starving for help. I think a haul pak driver starts at like $17. 00 an hour. Besides Winnemucca is a nice place to live. PM me if i can help. Steve

Now were talken , what are the winters like ?

 

[Sageair]

check your PM. Steve

 

[monkfarm]

You might want to check your water in your batteries. Use only distilled water, and make sure you put a trickle charge on (your batteries after filling them up).