Why is the 3rd Gen such a dog on colder mornings?

[WPeschel]

Jeremiah posted

I thought the guy who asked if this was your first diesel was a jerk. He won't last long unless he changes his attitude because nobody will talk to him. There are only a few bozos on this forum and he seems like one of 'em. Don't let 'im bother you.



I did'nt write that to hurt anyones feelings :{ . . I didn't know that everybody wears their feelings on their sleeve. . I was just asking a question. . Every diesel i've driven i. e. cummins, power stroke and duramax ran like a dog when cold out I always let mine warm up in cold climate... But hey what do I know i'm just a bozo clown. . Oo. Sorry if I hurt your feelings :-laf

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

The only trouble I have in cold weather (down to +24F last winter)

Cold weather? :-laf :-laf :-laf



Heck when it gets any below -15 (that F as in American) I usually have to beat it with a stick just to get it to unplug the block heater and poke its head out of the garage door.

 

[Cummins4WD]

I think it is the "Drain Back" issue with this 48RE I have. On some of them the valves just release most of the ATF+4 and it's all in the transmission pan. We're going to try the N deal for 30 seconds and the temp has been about 50 degrees so it's not even seriously cold here in Denver yet. This is my first Diesel and I appreciate all the great info from this list. I always try and figure out if something is wrong so I can get the dealer to take care of any issues... Right now I'm at 34,000 and have very few things wrong with this truck. This situation seems to normal for some rigs which experience Drain Back in the 48RE more so than others.



Thanks,

Randy

Denver, CO

 

[WPeschel]

What is "Drain back" I've have never heard of this??? I have a six spd but have a lot of friends that have the auto... Does it only drain back in cold weather?? Does the engine sound differently when it does it? It doesnt get to cold in tx... Just wondering

 

[Pawpaw]

Cold weather? :-laf :-laf :-laf



Heck when it gets any below -15 (that F as in American) I usually have to beat it with a stick just to get it to unplug the block heater and poke its head out of the garage door.

Yes I know. In the grand scheme of things, it does not get cold here, even if we think it does. :-laf I was just trying to put it in perspective for the guy that started the thread. He's having problems at 55F.



I understand wat cold really is. Try -60 with a 30 knot wind. Cape Lisburne on Alaska's northwest shore.



Bob

 

[Jeremiah]

OK, you're forgiven. But remember: asking someone who posited a sincere question if this is their first diesel is a put-down. You may not have meant it that way, but that's the way it came across. We're here to help each other. Thanks for clearing things up!

 

[WPeschel]

OK, you're forgiven. But remember: asking someone who posited a sincere question if this is their first diesel is a put-down. You may not have meant it that way, but that's the way it came across. We're here to help each other. Thanks for clearing things up!

Very true no hard feelings sometimes I come off rude when I dont intend to be sorry its just me... But seriously I let mine warm up before every launch...

 

[blake underwood]

Why are 3gen's such a dog in the AZ summer

I know this thread is about start up in the winter, but down here in Arizona in the summer-120+ degrees the truck likes to stumble and lose idle, almost like it wants to die, and it has before. The start up idle is 750 RPM normally but my truck will choke and bounce around 400-500 RPM's for a few seconds, then jump back up to 750 RPM's and then idle fine.

 

[Jeremiah]

Heh-heh. I'd say talk to your dealer about this but after looking at your signature I'm not sure the dealer would be much help.

 

[bpenrod]

I try to make it a point not to drive until the grid heater is turned off. I figure if the engine thinks it needs the extra heat it's not ready to drive. Of course there are time I'm in a hurry and have to drive while the gris heater is on and i notice a difference in power. When the grid heater is drawing high amps a lot of power goes to the alternator.

 

[LightmanE300]

I personally think that Randy needs to let his truck warm up longer. At least 30 seconds of idling/warmup before pulling anywhere. Longer when it gets really cold. If you see the voltage gauge drop well down below 14, you'll know the grid heaters are working. I agree to let them do their thing for a few minutes before pulling off, and when I do, I pull off gently, not start it up and try to peel out into a busy street. Don't drive the same way you normally do when the truck is cold, have some consideration for the mighty CTD!



I don't think it's a trans drain issue at all. If that were the case, likely the engine would rev up and not go anywhere and then the trans would 'kick in' . This just sounds like the engine isn't really ready to take the fuel. This is not like a gas engine where you just fire it up and nail the go pedal!

 

[Jeremiah]

Grid heater

I read somewhere that the heater turns off at a given speed, like 18 mph or so. The suggestion I read said the best thing to do is drive off slowly as soon as the engine starts and let it warm up on its own.