Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Unreasonable to expect start in -25c/-13F??

[osmith]

Firstly,



I have an espar heater. . but it's giving me a F11 code which is apparently low voltage < 10. 6v



I got new batteries last year and havent been using my epar without going on long runs afterwards. So I figure my batteries should be charged up, does this mean that my batteries are toast? I figure they should be ~12. 6volts sitting there and ~14 while charging. . is this right? The espar doesn't pull that much current.



It's been a cold week here, -45 with windchill but today is -23c

My poor truck is parked a long ways from a pluggin and the espar says no dice to low voltage. I'm pretty sure I've started my truck in -25c before, wasn't pretty but it went. So I went to start 'er up, cycled the heaters a couple of times and it just turns over with no fire. Am I expecting too much or what?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Your owner's manual recommends a lighter crankcase oil for that temp. Be sure the batteries are HD and fully charged. Cycle the heaters twice, crank a moment, cycle two more times. Once you crank a little, the cold air takes over and the fuel is harder to light. So, if it doesn't fire quickly, use the heaters again.

 

[osmith]

Thanks Joe,



I'm running synthetic in the crankcase... I'll try the method of starting you described.



I have no idea if my batteries are 'heavy duty', they are Sears Gold group 27. . I don't think they make anything bigger

 

[osmith]

Well, went out in the cold to figure out the problem.



Looks like my one battery clamp probably shrunk enough in the cold along with the motore vibration and worked its self loose. I was probably trying to start my truck on a battery and a half



its running now . . we'll see if them batteries are holding.