Semi-ignorant question

[Rexsname]

Without getting too far into the specifics....... I need to go and start a 2008 Dodge 3500 Cummins that has sat unused since about mid-May.

The people that have custody of the truck say that "it wont start". I'm guessing a dead battery (x2). Would it be reasonable to think that I could bring a set of jumper cables and expect it to start. The truck was in great running order when it went away. The truck has about 6000 or 7000 miles on it.

REX


this is somewhat time sensitive.....Going to pick it up Friday AM

 

[ujoint]

Cables may work, but diesels need some major juice to crank. You may need a jumper box & cables.

 

[Jeep]

If I am interpretting your time sensitive statement correctly just take 2 new batteries with you and the correct tools, should be a lot faster than trying to kick some life into dead batteries. I usually use a wheel lift tow truck in sensitive situations.

 

[ntsqd]

I know the 6BT's didn't have glow plugs, but do have an intake air heater. Not sure what the newer Cummins might have. If they have either of those items they will draw a fair amount of current before the high current demand of starting. Did you used to need to do any waiting with the key partly on, or could you just twist to start on the coldest of days?

If the batteries are toast, which sitting for that long can do to them, can you bill the custodians for the replacements and expect to receive payment?

The have it towed to where you can more easily deal with it option sounds like a winner to me. I'd expect AAA will go get it and bring it home.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Back in the late 1970's when I drove Big Rigs...I always carried a can of Diesel Engine Starting Fluid. I have no idea what they call it today or if it can even work on these more modern engines.

But when I had a hard time starting, especially when cold. I would spray the starting fluid, and she would start right up.

I drove big Cummins 350 with turbo....and 13 speed with splitter. Kenworth and International.

Here is the first link I found. I'm sure there are many more.

http://www.koldban.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=26


Keep searching da net!


.

 

[ntsqd]

Ether is the common component of gasser Starting Fluids, and you do not want to use that!

A can of WD-40 works well on diesels.

 

[deserteagle56]

No starting fluid!

The injection systems on the old diesels could handle a small shot without adverse effects. I have a John Deere diesel that's almost 50 years old and when its really cold out there and I haven't had a chance to plug it in, a tiny sniff of starting fluid will help it fire up. But the manual in my 2004.5 Cummins Ram specifically warns against using starting fluid - the pressures present in the modern injection system can cause catastrophic problems!

 

[ntsqd]

What the WD-40 really does is give the engine a whiff of it's propellant. The actual WD doesn't do a lot. Since the propellant is usually butane it's not much different than injecting propane into a diesel engine.

The Ether used in gasser starting fluids, OTOH, detonates much to early and does result in significant to catastrophic cylinder pressures. Never go there.

 

[Rexsname]

OK so I borowed the big jump start box from work and went out to Chino Valley to pick up the Dodge.....The truck is nowhere near any thing to plug into. So I tried to jump start it. The voltmeter would slowly climb from 8 up to 14 and then, when I tried to start it drop back to 8 and just "click'.

I had to drive back into Prescott and buy two new group 34 batteries and will meet up again out in Chino to try again




The saga continues



REX

 

[allnew2me]

The best bet would be to charge/replace the batteries but if you can't do that then try this. In the PDC (power distribution center) is a relay that you can pull to keep the grid heaters from coming on, they draw around 90 amps each. That is why you have two batteries. Then you should be able to jump the truck normally but you will have to run the jumper vehicle for a while, possibly 10-15 minutes to give the Dodge enough of a charge to start, be patient and rev the jumper up to 2500.
The truck computer has to see at least 10.5 volts to allow a start so it may take longer to start but if the other vehicle is charging it will start. Do not use any starting fluid! You don't have an ignition (compression) problem, just an electrical problem so don't use fluid. If you can get it to turn over it will start. Cummins uses a gear-reduction starter but they do draw close to 700 amps so give the batteries a good chance to take a charge off the jumper. You can also disconnect the passenger-side battery to lessen the load on the jumper vehicle and perhaps shorten the time needed to charge up. The Cummins will start on one battery if the heaters are turned off.

 

[Robthebrit]

What the WD-40 really does is give the engine a whiff of it's propellant. The actual WD doesn't do a lot. Since the propellant is usually butane it's not much different than injecting propane into a diesel engine.

The Ether used in gasser starting fluids, OTOH, detonates much to early and does result in significant to catastrophic cylinder pressures. Never go there.

NEVER use any type of starting fluid on a truck with a grid heater! You'll probably blow the intake manifold off! Also don't use any type of starting fluid on indirect injection diesel engines (those with glow plugs). The fluid can do damage to the prechamber and/or glow plugs.

In general ether is fine for older diesel engines, it does no damage to the engine at all. All unimogs until about 1990 have an ether canister built into the engine and a hand pump on the dash. When its cold you pump the hand pump while cranking and it bursts to life!

Rob

 

[Rexsname]

I bought two new batteries at work. It only took about 15 minutes to swap them both out. The truck started without hesitation and runs just fine. Thanks for all of your help and knowledge.



REX