Who had the Coldest start. How did it go?

[JasonCzerak]

Rather simple query. Who's got the coldest, non-block heated with at least 8 hours not running in very cold temperatures.



Video's would be awesome too.

 

[JFaughn]

Jason , last yr , about -25*F , I forgot to plug in , cycle key twice for grid heater , before start , hold go peddle just a little .

 

[JasonCzerak]

Jason , last yr , about -25*F , I forgot to plug in , cycle key twice for grid heater , before start , hold go peddle just a little .

Seeing as I have a computer to "hold the peddle" a little for me, I don't do that.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

While camping in the Adirondacks a couple of years ago I cold started my truck with -36F on the console display. There were three '97 CTDs there. They all started OK. I had new batteries in mine and it fired just fine with 2 cycles of the heaters. It definitely chugged and smoked after starting, but it started without any trouble.

Joe

 

[05mxdiesel]

Here you go Jason, not mine.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQsyt9Y1U5Y



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycGF9w7AZHY&feature=related



YouTube - 2005 Dodge cummins

 

[JTruelove]

Who had the coldest start. How did it go.

Just got back from Colorado (Pagosa Springs) and didn't plug in. New batteries and I had to cycle the heaters 4 times and with some starting fluid to get it to start

 

[EKlem]

I started mine at -30F unplugged. Only cycled the grids once and did use a little pedal. It cranked for probably two seconds then fired right up. Ran loud but didn't sound too bad. Synthetic oil really helps with getting it turning over fast and getting oil pressure quickly(I don't have the option of plugging in).

 

[Skydiver]

+ 16 F with No grids or block heat. I forgot to hook up the grids. 7 seconds on the starter.

Smoked like wet leaves burning.

 

[JLEONARD]

Two years ago I disconnected the heater as an experiment and started up at work when it was -5 F. It cranked a good bit and didn't like it, but it finally fired up. Smoked as descibed above

When I got home that day I re-connected the wire

 

[DBoggs]

Started mine at -15f the other day after sitting for 5 days without being plugged in. Not nearly as impressive as the others but I was impressed, grateful also.



Duane

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

I can't wait for the Canadian and Alaskan guys to show up. Those guys see some low temps. Makes NY look like Florida.

Joe

 

[DWeiler]

A Canadian guy hear---,the day i went to kick the tires on the dealer lot/field outside of town,truck sat for 2 weeks minimum(sales guy info)-35C-Feb/02,keyed it twice,and started right up,but ran rough for about 3min. This doesn't count because it was new i guess-----since then i"v had to start it in -30C weather and it fired up no problem,i run the brake to help warm up but it can take 15-20min for the needle to move in those temps. The true test will be when i go see my folks up by the BC/NWT/ALBERTA border in FEB,Dad gets excited when it warms up to-30,and it can reach-45,but i"ll plug her in if it gets that cold. PS---My 01 company Ford POWERJOKE sat for 3 days over Christmas,down to -15 and i could not get it started for over a 1/2 hour---finally the boss gave it a shot of starting fluid and it fired right away----not recommended for the engine but its on his dime. DW

 

[WDaniels]

Several years ago the outlets that I plugged my 96 into had blown the breakers. It was unheated all day for 9 hours at more than -40. When I went out at 4 it was -42. Cycled the heaters 3 times and started. Ran rough for awhile and blew blue/white smoke for a minute or two but it ran. My 97 is a lot colder blooded. Don't know how low it will go, but I don't think it will go much colder than -10

WD

 

[JasonCzerak]

I know at around 0. with block heater and blanket fully closed up it can take 5-10 minutes of idle up at 1300rpm. and about 10 miles before the motor is up to full water temp at about 50-60mph highway



What's it take for you northern folks?

 

[05mxdiesel]

It was 9 this morning and I have 11 miles to work. Block heater was on for five hours and I had all but one flap open on the winter cover. The thermostat opened up about a mile from work. I do not idle at all though. 5600 was pretty tight the whole way.

 

[JasonCzerak]

It was 9 this morning and I have 11 miles to work. Block heater was on for five hours and I had all but one flap open on the winter cover. The thermostat opened up about a mile from work. I do not idle at all though. 5600 was pretty tight the whole way.

Put the T-case in N and shift though the gears and up to like 1300rpm before you role out. it helps dramatically on the cold days



Take my truck a full 1. 5 hours of highway to get the needle to move on my trans gauge near 0

 

[birddog]

my 97 I no longer have was started unplugged down to about 25F below more than once, fired fine, chugged a little, rattled a little away we go. My 91 sat for 10 days unplugged from a low of about 30 below at night to a daytime high of 5 below, fired no problem. My 04. 5 and 06 both have unplugged sitting starts of 20 plug below, no problems. the stroker guys can only dream of that. Go cummins

 

[Cattletrkr]

I think I got mine running at -15F once... maybe. My trucks never seem to like cold starts.

EDIT: How do you guys cycle your grids? Mine only stays on for a second or two after the initial cycle.

 

[EKlem]

EDIT: How do you guys cycle your grids? Mine only stays on for a second or two after the initial cycle.

To cycle them, you just turn the key back to the off position, then back to the on position and they will come back on. At least that works on mine.

 

[05mxdiesel]

Put the T-case in N and shift though the gears and up to like 1300rpm before you role out. it helps dramatically on the cold days



Take my truck a full 1. 5 hours of highway to get the needle to move on my trans gauge near 0

I have the electric shift t-case and cannot figure out how to get it into N. I've been wondering that since I bought the thing 3 years ago.