Truck runs ruff when cold

[Archive]

Well it got really cold here tonight down into the single digits and I work 2nd shift and when I went to leave work the truck started ok for being cold and I idled it for a few minutes and then when I went to leave while driving about 10-15 mph's it started to loose power and was smoking terrible and finally died took several crankings before it fired up drove another block and it did it again and it sounded like it wasn't fireing on all cylinders. Got to a truck stop by the interstate and got some Howell fuel additive to stop jelling as I was quessing that was what was happening and let it idle for awhile and took off needless to say 40 mph was all I could do and it still lost power and died several times on the way home. I do not know if the fuel I got was climatized or not do you guys think it was trying to jell on me or could it be something else that I need to look at. To make things worse my passenger side door will not latch now either #ad
and all work has to be done outside and it is Cooold.
Sorry this is kind of long but any and all help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

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'96 2500 ext. cab, LB, 4x4, 5 speed, 3. 54, TST 280 cam plate, AFC spring kit ,pyro and boost gauges mounted on A-Pillar, tinted windows, 16x8 Eagle alloys series 1219, 285/75R16 Durango A/T's, stainless steel rocker panels and alluminum stirrup steps

 

[Archive]

Sounds like you have water in your fuel. First step would be to open the drain in the bottom of your fuel filter. You are always going to have water in the fuel especially in the cold time of year. I try to open my drain at least once a week during subfreezing weather,once a month the rest of the time. I don't trust the water in fuel indicator.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

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Sounds like you're getting gelling, alright. Diesel contains parafins, the same stuff that makes wax in a candle burn. When your fuel gets cold enough, the parafins actually start solidifying (sp) and turning into wax. This can completely clog your lines and fuel filter. It can be melted back if you park the truck in a heated building long enough or get enough additive circulated through the system.

 

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I dont know what it is, but if you find out let me know. Mine has been doing this for a while. Only when it's cold and not plugged in.
I'm going to try to get around to adjusting the valves. I didnt do them yet.

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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Cat in the garage. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 59,000 Mi as of 10/21/00.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

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What weight oil are you using? A thicker oil will give you grief on cold starts, especially with the 12V trucks.

 

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Flatlander,
Check out fuel heater make sure it is working right also. Definitely sounds like fuel problem.

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

[Archive]

Thanks guys for responding. I think it was gelling I had a half tank of fuel and went to the station I have been getting fuel, they said it had been climatized since mid Nov. not sure to what degree but they got a new shippment on Dec. 1st (two days after I had filled up) and it was climatized to -20. Filled up and put in more additive to be safe and the truck ran fine all day and after setting for 9 hrs at work and ran fine on the way home with temps 8-10 degrees.

Thanks again,
Paul