winter recommendations

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Oct 24, 2011 | 09:51 AM

rsplash40

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winter recommendations

'04 6.0 - 1st time diesel owner, start of 1st winter with it, temps have already been in the 30's and notice the change in starting when it sits out side.

I've been reading a lot about gelling, cetane boost, cold flow improvers, etc. Seems like I should have a few gallons of additives around for the winter and let the truck idle for 10 minutes every time I do a cold start on it.

Thankfully I'm able to garage(insulated but not heated) my ex at night but during the day it'll be out in the parking lot at work.

Wondering what others in sub zero area's normal winter practices are?

thanks!

Oct 24, 2011 | 12:40 PM

Magilla_v6.0

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Synthetic oil is helpful, I run Rotella T 5w-40. Also plugging it in will help it start better, I have a timer for mine that comes on 4 hours before I need to start it in the morning.

Oct 24, 2011 | 09:30 PM

airjeff

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+1 on plugging it in. Even just an hour or two makes a difference. The block heater in these are more like a mini boiler the way it heats up. I think I'm going to put a couple battery heater mats in mine this year. Warm batteries have way more power.

Oct 25, 2011 | 07:05 AM

papadelogan

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From: Gulf Coast of Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by airjeff

+1 on plugging it in. Even just an hour or two makes a difference. The block heater in these are more like a mini boiler the way it heats up. I think I'm going to put a couple battery heater mats in mine this year. Warm batteries have way more power.

Battery heater mats are a great idea, so long as they don't get too warm. I've never heard of them before, so I'll have to do some research.

I live in Colorado and have dealt with -20° F temps. Not fun for starting a big diesel, so here's what I suggest:

1. Make sure your batteries are in good condition
2. Make sure your starter is in good condition
3. Run fully synthetic oil - Shell Rotella T6 5W40 is my preference
4. Use a heavy duty timer to turn on power to your block heater 2 hours + before you want to start her up
5. Add a winter fuel additive to reduce/avoid gelling (white bottle of Diesel Kleen is my choice - can be found sometimes @ Walmart or an auto parts store)

Also, buy and carry at least 1 spare fuel fiter and a bottle of "Diesel 911" just in case. I carry 2 of each of my fuel filters, 2 Diesell 911's, and a white bottle of Diesel Kleen, just in case I come across a fellow 'Stroker that needs a hand.

Oct 25, 2011 | 08:51 AM

rsplash40

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Thanks for the replies! I'm already running synthetic oil and have a bottle of the diesel kleen, I'll add the 911 and filters to my storage box in the back.

Oct 25, 2011 | 10:17 AM

airjeff

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I'm not sure about you guys, but diesel around here is blended in the winter so it normally won't gel. I say normally because I'm sure there is some condition that would still cause it to gel. I've got a good friend that works at a pipeline rack filling tankers and he told me what temp it's rated for...I don't remember anymore. But you should be able to ask where you fill up.

Now, I still say it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry a bottle of additive with you.(and the 911 and filter) If you're on a trip and fill up in a milder climate, with the huge tank and range we can have, you could easily end up in a far colder climate. Heck some guys could run into that if they leave the mountains I'm sure.

Good point on the battery warmers getting warm. I don't think they would because they are usually low powered.