batteries + cold + intermittant driving
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
batteries + cold + intermittant driving
Our trucks usually all get driven every day - but over the weekend one of my guys got hurt (broken ribs + dislo shoulder - ATV wipeout) and won't be driving his truck much at all for a couple of weeks. He can drive if he has to but the doc said only if absolutely necessary - guess he could further injure himself getting in & out.
He's concerned it won't start after sitting in single digit (overnight) temps and wants someone to drive it every 2-3 days to keep the batts charged.
I told him to just throw a trickle charger on it and it'll be fine once he's healed up in a week or so. He still wants someone to come drive it - he's not convinced that letting it sit on a trickle charger is ok.
Need some ideas to convince him it'll be ok - btw he's an hour away. We offered to come get his truck and park in our nice warm shop but he had a good point - if the weather is bad he depends on his co issued truck to get around since his only other vehicle is a compact sports car. (Miata)
He's concerned it won't start after sitting in single digit (overnight) temps and wants someone to drive it every 2-3 days to keep the batts charged.
I told him to just throw a trickle charger on it and it'll be fine once he's healed up in a week or so. He still wants someone to come drive it - he's not convinced that letting it sit on a trickle charger is ok.
Need some ideas to convince him it'll be ok - btw he's an hour away. We offered to come get his truck and park in our nice warm shop but he had a good point - if the weather is bad he depends on his co issued truck to get around since his only other vehicle is a compact sports car. (Miata)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Belgrade, MT
Temps
If the batteries and the glow plug system are in good working order, shouldnt even need the trickle charger. I have started my truck after sitting for a week in -15 temps here in MT with no problems. Maybe some DK white bottle in the fuel system just to ensure no fuel issues, ie gelling, but otherwise it shouldnt be of any worry.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
He's got DK in the tank already - we add it to our 1500 gal tank on the farm that everyone fills from. (That way nobody "forgets")
He's saying when it sits 2-3 days in the cold it cranks slow but does start. He thinks waiting longer it might not start. Batts are about a year old.
He's saying when it sits 2-3 days in the cold it cranks slow but does start. He thinks waiting longer it might not start. Batts are about a year old.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
When it was in the shop for an oil change a couple. Months back the battery posts looked good & were tight - we spray them with crc terminal protector to keep'm them from corroding.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
Only thing is an aftermarket brake controller but that shouldn't be drawing anything. It'll be around 10deg in the morning - I'm going to head that way to see if he needs anything guess I'll swap trucks with him. That way I'll get to check it over - I'll unplug the brake controller just to see if that makes a diff. Truck does have a visteon (ford) aftermarket cd/mp3/radio in it but that shouldn't draw any more that a stock radio.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Belgrade, MT
Hmmmm
None of that should hurt anything. I would still pull the battery terminals if your going to have it in the shop, I have seen a few that looked great assembled, but when pulled off, the white corrosion falls out.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 3
From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
Cranked slow but started on the 1st try this morning @ 14deg. We run 15w40 year round since it rarely stays this cold for more than a few days round here. Checked out the batt connections - they're good. Told him to plug it in a few hrs before he needs to drive if it's below 20. (He's got a doc appt mon next week) - brought him some stew & biscuits....left his truck there after driving it into town to get groc & parked it closer to the house so a cord would reach - all he has to do is step out onto the porch and plug it in.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedDevil460
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
69
Mar 22, 2014 11:39 PM
johnboggs21
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
17
Oct 3, 2009 04:03 AM