What is reasonable warmup time from freezing start?

gearloose1 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 06:59 PM

Hi,

Would everyone please let me know what is a reasonable amount of time for the Diesel to be warmed up under these conditions?

- No plug in.

- Cold start at 28F (just below freezing)

- Engine started when the heater light goes off, starts in about 15 seconds of cranking.

- Driven slowly around 30 to 40 mph, city driving.

- no rad shield.

I am getting this:

2.5 miles to point when gauge jumps to the first mark.

5 miles to the 2nd notch on the temp gauge

10 or more miles to full warm up with gauge in middle of range.

Is this normal? Do I need a hotter thermostat?

Thanks

senix · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 08:18 PM

Normal. Diesel does not heat like a car would. It will take longer. Best course of action seems to be what you are doing. Start it, give it a second or two and then start out slowly.

15 seconds is a bit long on the cranking. What year/motor do you have?

hanklin · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 09:29 AM

if you can,let it idle and warm up a bit more. Of couse plug in is best but you know that. Try cycling the wts light twice to heat glow plugs up a little hotter,it mat shorten cranking time

senix · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanklin

if you can,let it idle and warm up a bit more. Of couse plug in is best but you know that. Try cycling the wts light twice to heat glow plugs up a little hotter,it mat shorten cranking time

Good tip!, I have to spread the love or I'd rep ya.

gearloose1 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 10:03 AM

Thanks to everyone that replied!

I have a 2005 E-350 6.0 PSD.

Yes, the cranking seem a bit longer than it should be.

What I am going to do is:

a) try cycling the glow plugs twice.

failing that, replace all of them.

Thanks again!

powerstroke72 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 10:46 AM

You may also check to make sure you have the latest software flashes in the computer. Ford has an inductive heat flash that addresses some of the cold start issues folks have experienced with the 6.0. Mine got the flash a couple of months ago while it was in for service and it has made a big difference in the cold starts. The coldest it's been here so far is around 30F but I could tell a big difference.

slowmans · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 08:00 PM

start running a 5-40 synthetic oil, your starts will be much better.

hanklin · #8 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 06:58 AM

What I am going to do is:

a) try cycling the glow plugs twice.

failing that, replace all of them.

I just think you need to plug in and/or let it idle to warm up but before you change all the glow plugs see if you are throwing any codes. Could be harness or just a single plug,but start there

smlford · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:30 PM

In addition to the good suggestions above I'd add putting a cover over the grill like the one I use from Cabelas when it dips below freezing. It makes the warm up much quicker...

Cabela's -- Winter/Summer Truck Grille Covers and Screen Fronts

triskadek · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 11:02 AM

When it does start after that 15 seconds...is there a lot of white smoke (unburnt fuel/gp/gpr related)?

My '97 is starting in about 2 seconds, with about the same warm up time. I've still got my 15w40 in it, and we had snow sticking on the ground last night.

juneau76 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by senix

Good tip!, I have to spread the love or I'd rep ya.

Rep'd him for you.

gearloose1 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:19 PM

Thanks to everyone who responded!

hanklin · #13 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 08:27 AM

Just a little side note:
I`ve got a battery goin down. If I don`t plug in then in the morning I have to jump start. Started 4 days ago,looks like I`ll be buying 2 new on Mon

gearloose1 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-08-2009, 08:50 AM

What batteries are you going to be buying?

Any recommendations?

What about putting in real truck (or golf cart batteries in?)

It is technically possible to put 2 6v golf cart batteries in series.

What is the biggest battery you can put in?

solaratomic · #15 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 06:06 PM

If I remember correctly from the manual on my 06 6.0, it says the glow plugs actually stay on for two minutes after the key is turned to the "on" position reguardless if the engine cranks or not. The only thing I have observed as far as the glow plug light is the injectors "buzzing" or preheating in congruance with it. Sounds like your batteries are starting to go bye bye or they need water. You may wanna check your water level. It takes a good hot set of batteries to crank these psds on cold mornings. But you can plug it up and buy yourself some time before purchasing batteries, if you end up needing them.