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Cold mornings are here!

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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 09:54 AM
  #1  
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Cold mornings are here!

I have only owned my 2004 6.0 Turbodiesel since last May (its my first diesel...), and the weather is finally starting to turn cold here- although not that cold. Last night was approx 45 degrees. I started it this morning, and the knocking was so loud I was afraid it probably woke the neighborhood. The oil is just about due to be changed so that may play a role in the rough running / knocking, but I am concerned that it may be knocking too much? Don't know? Please tell me if this is normal?

Thank you!
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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What oil do you use and how old is it?
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 11:01 AM
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You could always put your block warmer on a timer to start a few hours before you leave.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by High Binder
You could always put your block warmer on a timer to start a few hours before you leave.
This is my first winter with a diesel. What temp would you say you need to plug in the block heater at?
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 11:19 AM
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I start plugging mine in when it's 60 or below lol
I also have a oil pan heater on the same circuit
I pretty much have to jump on the freeway when I leave for work in the AM so instead of waiting 15 minutes for it to come up to temp if I plug it in it's at temp when I hit the on ramp

plus the heater works right away and it starts quieter
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 02:39 PM
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Zmann , Did the tuner with custom tune effect the cold starting at all? Been holding off on buying a SCT SF3 untill I am sure cold starts will be ok.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 03:32 PM
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I switched from fossil oil to synthetic rotella 5-40. So far I noticed a BIGA$$ difference. I also added the updated fuel spring which helped my startups. I am a firm believer that synthetic oil is better for these motors. I haven't flashed it YET and not sure if I should.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2010 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by OHSIX6OH
Zmann , Did the tuner with custom tune effect the cold starting at all? Been holding off on buying a SCT SF3 until I am sure cold starts will be ok.
Heck ,, I just went back to stock for a few days
the custom or even canned tunes are far better for mornings
I do believe they bypass some of the cold strategy ,, however I never
overwork a cold 6.0
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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Well my druck triver buddy said to use a Rotella 15-40, so that is what the truck is currently running with. I need to change it today- any last minute suggestions in the next hour or so are greatly appreciated! I will also consider the block warmer- any suggestions on brands?

Thx!
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 11:01 AM
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Depends on your average low temps in your area....I use 5W-40 all year 'round. I tow in summer/fall - I live in MD and it doesn't get or stay that cold, but I still use the 5-50 Rotella.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Dacamino
Well my druck triver buddy said to use a Rotella 15-40, so that is what the truck is currently running with. I need to change it today- any last minute suggestions in the next hour or so are greatly appreciated! I will also consider the block warmer- any suggestions on brands?

Thx!
Many of the 6.0 came with block heaters, however they were not wired. Look above the starter motor on the right rear side of the engine. http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-20.php

I bought a wiring harness from International. It was a lot cheaper that the Ford harness.

You can also find them on eBay. New Ford Powerstroke Diesel Block Heater Cord 6.0 6.4 L: eBay Motors (item 250723219907 end time Dec-07-10 06:46:06 PST)
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 12:43 PM
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I must have a good truck or something because I run Ford 10W30 (Diesel) year round and was in North Dakota last winter. With temps dipping to -20° at night, she fired right up in the morning after sitting outside all night long without being plugged in. Of course it rattled and banged like a diesel does until it warmed up, but I didnt have to crank it anymore than usual.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Dacamino
I have only owned my 2004 6.0 Turbodiesel since last May (its my first diesel...), and the weather is finally starting to turn cold here- although not that cold. Last night was approx 45 degrees. I started it this morning, and the knocking was so loud I was afraid it probably woke the neighborhood. The oil is just about due to be changed so that may play a role in the rough running / knocking, but I am concerned that it may be knocking too much? Don't know? Please tell me if this is normal?

Thank you!

45 degrees is not very cold at all. Without hearing the knock its hard to tell if its knocking too much. IMO you don't need to plug it in until it gets bellow 20F. It will start at much lower temps but its hard on it. If you think it knocks loud at 45 you should hear it a -20F.... LOL It sounds like its coming apart...
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Dacamino
I will also consider the block warmer- any suggestions on brands?

Thx!
Your 04 should have a cord in it all ready, look behind the bumper near the tow hook. Look real close, they zip tied those suckers in there real tight.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by lawnboy1965
I must have a good truck or something because I run Ford 10W30 (Diesel) year round and was in North Dakota last winter. With temps dipping to -20° at night, she fired right up in the morning after sitting outside all night long without being plugged in. Of course it rattled and banged like a diesel does until it warmed up, but I didnt have to crank it anymore than usual.
10W30 is what I am running also and my truck lives in ND currently. Starts fine even when its rediculously cold...when its my house and its colder than 50F I plug my rigs in.

What part of the state were you in? Just curious....I got family all over up there.

Thad
 
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