So, I've decided my new to me 89 IDI is gunna be my winter weather rig. Sence I'm rather new to this truck I'm looking for pointers on getting ready for and running in cold weather. Now that said I'm in the Seattle area, cold weather here really isn't that cold, it very rarely gets below 20.

 

Just make sure your glow plug system and block heater work and you should be good.

 

You could verify your coolant is in good shape. I usually do an oil change as part of my winter prep....mainly because I don't like rolling around in the snow.

 

Check coolant freeze point/SCA's, jack up the front and check the front end, grease everything.


Check glow plugs for proper operation etc.

Check tire pressure regularly as they will tend to loose air over time in cold temps.

And block the grill!

 

Maybe you could look into winter fuel additives. I use the white bottle of diesel power services. It wouldn't hurt to run some threw every now and then. You may not need the anti gell additive this winter and you may who knows. But any diesel will start better with higher cectane and lube content. Id run it just to be nice to your truck. As far as being ready for winter just as uve already been told. Block heater and glow plugs must be working to be dependable

 

i've never had a block heater since i've owned my van, and the glow plugs are plenty all by themselves. but if you have a block heater, may as well make sure its working.
here in seattle, blocking the grill really isn't necessary, i get on the highway in the morning and in 1-2 miles we're at 195 unless my aux heater is on high, then it takes another mile or so. once it gets warm, it stays there.

of course, check the batteries, return lines, etc, because a dead battery in the snow sucks more than the same problem in fair weather

 

Guys the coolant, grease, oil etc. is a no brainer, that's not why I posted in the IDI forum. Just looking for advice and anything I might overlook on the IDI.

I can't plug in where I have to park overnight when the weather is bad.

Glow plugs, I'm condisering new ones. They seam to be working ok and now that I'm not trying to start it with lots of fuel and have fixed my batteries and return lines it's starting rather easy. Usually one or 2 times it fires and dies quickly then then stays running. But if I give it too much fuel it won't fire. So I guess I'm asking how much diff a change from 40 deg to 20 deg will make on it starting. Is that diff enough that I should consider shelling out for new glow plugs?

Block the grill? Why would this matter, how and what are the risks and benifits?

Fuel additives? I'm new to dealing with winter desiel, costs, risks, and suggestions?

 

blocking the grill is also called a "mexican thermostat". the idea is that in extreme cold the engine will have it hard to keep warm, so reduced airflow over the radiator will reduce that problem. i can say from experience that if your thermostat works, this won't be necessary. however, for people who do need this method, its critical to have a reliable temp gage and stop to open up airflow if it starts to get too warm

 

As far as the additives. If it is etting below freezing consistantly then it is possible for your fuel to start to gel. It most commonly occures where there is less volume, such as in the lines. The gel can clog things up. The additive stops this. With fuel technology now, it can be debted weather it is needed or not. Other benefits to the additive is that it raises the cectane level in the fuel and helps lubricate the IP and injectors.

In my area winter time means snow and salt, so a plan to prevent rust is a good idea.

 

i've had mine for almost 2 years and never had a problem with the cold, using no additives. and you know where i live up in the mountains where sometimes we have 3-4 feet of snow in the winter.
one of those additives would surely be no harm, but you've got warmer winters than i do, so you'll be fine

 

Every winter my grill bra was on, bought that at the same time buying the truck new in 1990, engine warms up much quicker, and stays warm. And keeps the salt out of your rad.... not all of it ofcourse, just be sure to wash it once in a while.

 

here in seattle its not that cold most of the time. we rarely have snow in the city for more than a week at a time, but even in the mountains where i live i've never had a problem with my truck warming up quickly.
locally we don't use much salt on the roads, but i'm sure they use quite a bit where john is at