Mountainhound
Explorer
Almost starts and won't kick over, is batteries. Throw some new batteries in the there.
Cold weather Diesel starting.
- Thread starter TexasTJ
- Start date
David Harris
Expedition Leader
When I was a kid in Crested Butte, Colorado, it would get down to around -40 sometimes. My dad would put a couple of work lights under the hood, close it, then throw a sleeping bag over the whole thing. Would start right up every time. That was with a carburetor as well.
If I were running a diesel in the cold all the time I would install an Espar heater or the like with a timer set to have the engine and interior warmed up whenever I wanted to leave each morning.
If I were running a diesel in the cold all the time I would install an Espar heater or the like with a timer set to have the engine and interior warmed up whenever I wanted to leave each morning.
jymmiejamz
Adventurer
That is your problem. FWIW, I don't think my glow plugs worked in my 300 Tdi 110, and I never had any issues starting it in cold weather. It would run a little rough at first, but always started.
Judging by all the previous comments - IT'S THE FUEL. And if there is any bio-diesel mixed in with the diesel, its virtually guaranteed to be gelled. Dump almost a full bottle of diesel 9-1-1 in the tank and let it sit for a bit, add a little to the fuel filter, and after the battery is recharged, crank it. Plan on adding some quality anti-gel to the tank, double the dose for a couple of tanks. And get a block heater on that thing if you don't have one.
Mountainhound
Explorer
The almost starts and doesn't isn't gelled fuel.
Blanket statement, without adding anything additional in the form of factual advice ......
Mountainhound
Explorer
Same as it was earlier. New batteries.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Not needed if you are running winter diesel.
Which is pretty standard, anywhere it gets cold.
pugslyyy
Expedition Vehicle Engineer Guy
The first cold snap of the season is always a good test of the electrical and fuel systems. Better to figure it out in the driveway than somewhere else!
I have a block heater and battery maintainer and will plug them both in when it is really cold. I also have a fancy remote start system that I can set to start the vehicle every couple of hours if I am somewhere really cold and can't plug in.
I have a block heater and battery maintainer and will plug them both in when it is really cold. I also have a fancy remote start system that I can set to start the vehicle every couple of hours if I am somewhere really cold and can't plug in.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
As I stated, its pretty standard where it gets cold enough.
From your list it was pretty easy to find #1 or winter blend....
Grand Forks ND
http://www.stamart.com/grandforks.html
Laramie WY
http://www.ta-petro.com/location/wy/petro-laramie
Butte MT
https://www.townpump.com/town-pump-travel-plazas/
BTW, there are a total of 12 FlyingJ/Pilot stations in the state of MT alone.
And Im sure that there are more than just FlyingJ stations in MT with winter diesel.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
For sure!
My routine with our fleet includes checking water level, load testing, equalization, and a desulfate service to every vehicle battery.
And the rigs that are not driven at least once a week get battery maintainers. All are wired up with pigtails and anderson connectors to hook up the battery charger(s) without popping the hood.
Ive found that it more than triples the life of batteries, even around here where we get such harsh winters.
george_zeus
New member
So we just go hit with our first really cold weather and of course today I can't get
Have you check your spake plug ?? it is actually happened when the current don't pass. clearly.
Have you check your spake plug ?? it is actually happened when the current don't pass. clearly.