Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Winter Grid-Lock, Ya it starts.

[99guy]

After a cold weather no-start when no 120v was available for the block heater I decided I wanted another way to fire the truck under the same circumstances. Also wanted a way to lock out the grids when I so desired, here’s my two part solution.



Wiring consists of a switch, momentary push button and pilot indicators in the cab for the grids. I wired this so that the dpdt switch acts as an interlock system for the grids when either start is used.



Flip the switch one way – no grids and either enabled through push button.

Flip switch other way – either start locked out and the grids are functional.



The two pilots are wired to the load side of the grid relays, kinda fun to watch.



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[Sticks]

Someone help me out here. I thought that Starter fluid or any other gasser additives were a BAD thing. Or is it supposed to be a "Not recommended, but we can't prove that it's bad"

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by sticks

Someone help me out here. I thought that Starter fluid or any other gasser additives were a BAD thing. Or is it supposed to be a "Not recommended, but we can't prove that it's bad"

Your not supposed to use starting fliud because of the grid heaters (read:KABOOOOM), but with them disabled, shouldn't be a problem, IMO.



Later, Rob

 

[illflem]

Even though my JD tractors come stock with a push button cold weather either starting system the manuals say it is preferable to use a block heater. But if you don't have power...

 

[rashwor]

Either should be a last resort...

We farm and ranch and run several tractors of different brands. Used in moderation on tractors that have no other starting aids, it works well. Too much either will cause engine problems. I have seen this personally on a older model JD. The newer model JDs have grid heaters and fuel heaters similar to the Cummins. You can't keep the newer model JDs from cranking without either or block heaters... . Took many years, but JD finally did it right!



I run two Cummins powered Dodges ('92 and '99) and have never seen it cold enough here to need anything but the grid heaters (9*F and both fired like champs). I use the block heaters most of the time, but sometimes it is just nice to know that the trucks will do it without the block heaters.

 

[jrobinson2]

I assume you used a kit with a restrictor fitting for the intake. If you use a standard tubing connector it's real easy to put way to much starting fluid in, also it won't vaporize properly. That stuff is unforgiving directly in the manifold.

Jared

 

[Sticks]

32 years old, and I learned something new. Cool. It doesn't happen as often as it should.

 

[99guy]

Originally posted by jrobinson2

I assume you used a kit with a restrictor fitting for the intake. If you use a standard tubing connector it's real easy to put way to much starting fluid in, also it won't vaporize properly. That stuff is unforgiving directly in the manifold.

Jared

Yep, sure did. And … in my first post I goofed on the toggle switch I used. It’s really a tpdt. I kept both grid control circuits separate. I read a thread here somewhere just recently describing wiring grids through an oil pressure switch - in series. Maybe years are different but my grid relays cycle independently i. e. not always at the same time, so I kept them separate.