Do I need to plug in during cold weather?

[Sportsman Matt]

Only have 2 diesels that require a little starting fluid, a 1963 John Deere 1010 Dozer and an old Cat Loader, neither like the temps below 30 degrees.

Once the old Ford F-350SD started having trouble with the engine around 175,000 it was traded for a Dodge 2500 with the CTD.

 

[MichaelS.]

I dont know about diesels used personally, but the Ford ambulances we use are very cold tolerant when new. Thought the higher in mileage they get 100k or better the worse that got, also some were worse than others. We have one truck that if it drops past 60 degrees it wont start period, worst back up truck ever. Worst yet they wont get rid of it and we cant kill it.

 

[conifers4]

Please tell me you're using WD-40 or something else that isn't one of the common Ether based products.

Please elaborate on this comment.....wd-40 is better than ether??

Thanks to all who have replied, I'm learning alot, keep it coming

 

[Superu]

My buddy is working a wind farm project outside of Casper, WY this winter and has regularly been starting his Ram diesel at -17 F with no heater and no troubles at all.

A couple of times it took an extra crank or two but fired up easily.

That said, when I drove my rabbit diesel back in the 80's I regularly plugged it in when the temps got below 10 F.

 

[Guinness44]

Do not use starter fluid in a diesel. (Listen to the sticker on the airbox.) But if its really cold, one can cycle the glowplugs/manifoldheater twice, before trying to crank. Plugging in is nicer, warm cabin much faster, less wear and tear during startup.

 

[mrstang01]

On the Fords, if you're having to plug in above 0, it probably needs glow plugs or harnesses. I know mine does, will do it when it gets warmer in the new year. In the mean time, I plug in with a timer, works great.

Michael