Cold weather hard start. . .
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Cold weather hard start. . .
Our weather has dipped into the single digits, and my normally reliable 390 struggled on Monday, would not start Tuesday, last night I charged the battery, still no start. It's was turning over fine, had gas, just would not fire. I hit it with a shot of quick start and it fired right up. This morning (10*) started right up, let it run for 10 minutes went out and shut it off. Went back out 45 minutes later, no start, just lots of cranking, again a shot of quick start and it fired right up.
Have been running 10w40, so drove it to work today and had the shop next door change the oil to 10w30 and check the charging system and battery. They said everything checked out, may have been the thick oil.
I'm still leaning toward putting in a heavier cracking amp battery.
Any suggestions?
ps, pertronix with msd box, 4v carb, running high test, and put some heet in the tank
Have been running 10w40, so drove it to work today and had the shop next door change the oil to 10w30 and check the charging system and battery. They said everything checked out, may have been the thick oil.
I'm still leaning toward putting in a heavier cracking amp battery.
Any suggestions?
ps, pertronix with msd box, 4v carb, running high test, and put some heet in the tank
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
well I lived in alaska for 43 years had my 72 f-250 for 7 years and at 20 below zero it was slow cranking . i made sure to a high cranking amp battery. and a block heater works wonders just make sure u plug it in every night . also make sure your choke is working properly . mine started every time regardless of the temp .
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Always give the accelerator two quick hits before turning the engine over, choke always closes when cold, stays on till hit the accelerator before driving off. Seems to be working OK. Maybe I better do some research and learn how to check and adjust the choke.
Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 957
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From: Valley Center, CA
Have you ever had issues with the fuel lines freezing? In the winter, I never let the tank go below 3/4 to 1/2 full (when in cold climates) as condensation can build up. (this is what I was taught as a kid in freezing cold winters in Alberta, Canada). How about water in the fuel filter maybe? As far as the oil weight, I was thinking an even lighter oil would be better in such climates. We always had block heaters and AC/Delco used to make these electric wrap-around battery warmers.DangerDave might be on with the timing too.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2001
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From: Cupertino
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 444
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From: Highlands Ranch CO.
+1 I think high test is your problem....I would run no less then 91 grade oct. gas.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: North Pole, Alaska
He needs to use 5W-30 as the 10W-30 is just like the 10W-40 he replaced. If the truck is outside all the time and it is cold, it won't build up condensation. It happens only when it goes between 2 temperature extremes, such as going in and out of a heated garage. My 00 Expy stays outside all winter and starts at -57 here in North Pole/Fairbanks.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Changed the oil, checked the choke, checked timing, had charging system checked, all ok. Still a little sluggish start. Decided to swap the battery, put in the largest crank amp (880) NAPA had. Starts like it's summer now!
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