Cold start trouble.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Here's a vid of the cold start this morning, I think it started pretty good for sitting and the mileage on the motor, and not being plugged in. Running 5W-40 Full Synthetic. Compression must be good. Definatly starts way better than my old Benz!
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,111
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From: Yreka, CA
Looks pretty good 
. I've been impressed by mine since it's gotten real cold. Starts just about like yours. When it was only getting down into the 30's it was worrying me but since it's started freezing it's been all good.
. I've been impressed by mine since it's gotten real cold. Starts just about like yours. When it was only getting down into the 30's it was worrying me but since it's started freezing it's been all good.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Not that I'm trying to be picky, but does it sound like its turning over too slow? I guess not since it started, just alot slower than I'm use to, might have been a different story with 15-40 in it.
I'm glad to hear from someone else that it sounds similar to theirs.
I was impressed how well it started, I think it sat for 3 days in the garage, which that helps too. I'm still use to how that old benz started. which that wasn't pretty, and it didn't have a working block heater. anything below 10 degrees and you may as well throw the jumper cables on it before trying to start it. I know its a completley different animal, but still It feels good that she must be healthy to start that good when cold.
I'm glad to hear from someone else that it sounds similar to theirs.
I was impressed how well it started, I think it sat for 3 days in the garage, which that helps too. I'm still use to how that old benz started. which that wasn't pretty, and it didn't have a working block heater. anything below 10 degrees and you may as well throw the jumper cables on it before trying to start it. I know its a completley different animal, but still It feels good that she must be healthy to start that good when cold.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
It did sound like it was cranking a little slow to me. I think it would be a good idea to take it to a parts store and have the batteries load tested. You might have a battery that's low or has a bad connection. I had a bad connection on one of my batteries and it was actually starting on one battery for a while. Thank goodness that was during the summer so I didn't have cold start problems.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
The batteries aren't that old. They are motorcraft 100 month batteries, about 2 years old I believe. I'll load test them. The cables are new I know (have receipt) so connections should be good. Not planning on driving it this winter anyways. But might go start it once in a while.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 65
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From: Columbia, SC
Had the same problem. Thought it was batteries. Replaced starter with super duty gear reduction starter and it cranks insanely fast now. Even without GP's in the am. Also, both "fuel bells" broke off on my truck. 1/4 became the new empty. Apparently very common on these trucks. Dropped tanks and replaced.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Yeah I see that rear tank coming down in the future not only cause of the fill issues but the pickup as well. Might look into upgrading to the bronco tank, alot of guys seem to like doing that, and it doesn't sound like too much of a bear if you have the right parts.
Have no idea on the starter, I'm sure its been changed at some point, but I don't have any record of it.
Have no idea on the starter, I'm sure its been changed at some point, but I don't have any record of it.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Here's a vid of the cold start this morning, I think it started pretty good for sitting and the mileage on the motor, and not being plugged in. Running 5W-40 Full Synthetic. Compression must be good. Definatly starts way better than my old Benz!
1997 Ford Powerstroke 361k cold start ~15F - YouTube
1997 Ford Powerstroke 361k cold start ~15F - YouTube
What year benz? we got an 82 and its a PITA to start
And It does sound a little slow to me, when was the starter changed? my neighbor has a 1994 and the starter was cranking a little slow and made it take a while to start
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
It was an 87 300SDL, it was good till about 10 degrees, and after that you may as well forget it. The block heater didn't work so I had that against me too.
As for my PS, I have no clue when the starter was changed. I've only had the truck since June, and did get some service records (Back to 290K) but none of them had a starter. So I'm sure its been in there for a while.
As for my PS, I have no clue when the starter was changed. I've only had the truck since June, and did get some service records (Back to 290K) but none of them had a starter. So I'm sure its been in there for a while.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
I'm also keeping in mind that this thing wasn't plugged in and it was about 15 degrees give or take. I figured it was only turning slow because of the cold, but do you think it was still too slow? Just thinking out loud here.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 4
From: Pecatonica, IL
Yeah it doesn't sound quite right, I played it back a few times. It would be nice to know how old the starter is. It'll have to wait till spring now. If I was going to drive it this winter I would be more concerned.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 247
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From: NJ
The brushes are probably starting to get worn. Now Just keep this in mind, These motors need to spin over fast to fire right up, and the slower the starter cranks, the longer its gonna take for it to start