Below 0 Celsius
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Below 0 Celsius
I have a 1990 F250 7.3 that will only run above 0 Celsius
I added deicer to both tanks and let it run up too temperature.
It starts on days that the temperature is above 0 with no problem
But as soon as the temperature drops into the minus it starts and runs for about 10 or 15 seconds and its like someone shut the fuel off.
Every time I have plugged it in for 30 mins or more so the engine is warm.
Would it be possible that the fuel filter has moisture in it and freezes when the temperature drops, today it was -10.
I added deicer to both tanks and let it run up too temperature.
It starts on days that the temperature is above 0 with no problem
But as soon as the temperature drops into the minus it starts and runs for about 10 or 15 seconds and its like someone shut the fuel off.
Every time I have plugged it in for 30 mins or more so the engine is warm.
Would it be possible that the fuel filter has moisture in it and freezes when the temperature drops, today it was -10.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 2
From: western washington
in that cold u must plug her in for 3 hrs or more, and u may have your fuel heater not working, and ice in your filter, plug it in and get it running, go to some place that sells winterized fuel, and buy some diesel 911 additive, then a new fuel filter, change the filter when engine is warm, helps on restart, fill new filter, with clean fuel, and restart, and let idle, and keep it plugged in. its cheaper than one might think.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
in that cold u must plug her in for 3 hrs or more, and u may have your fuel heater not working, and ice in your filter, plug it in and get it running, go to some place that sells winterized fuel, and buy some diesel 911 additive, then a new fuel filter, change the filter when engine is warm, helps on restart, fill new filter, with clean fuel, and restart, and let idle, and keep it plugged in. its cheaper than one might think.
I'd:
1. Check that all of your GPs work. A piece of wire between the + terminal on the battery and each GP should give you a small spark when you touch the GP terminal. If you get nothing, the GPs going to be bad.
2. ice. After running it for a while(to thaw things), see about draining the separator. Perhaps also use some Power Service Products is America's largest manufacturer of technologically advanced diesel fuel additives. PowerService additive(white bottle, not gray. Red may also be a good idea).
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Orange County NY
I would start with a new fuel filter.
Sounds a lot like ice.
Those diesel 911 and K100 products are good at absorbing water but they don't work if there is a half a gallon sloshing around in the bottom of the tanks.
Sounds a lot like ice.
Those diesel 911 and K100 products are good at absorbing water but they don't work if there is a half a gallon sloshing around in the bottom of the tanks.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I think it might be a gelling issue.
I added some anti-gel to both tanks.
It's plus 1c today and the truck started and quit on the first try.
I waited about 1/2 hr and tried it again and it started and stayed running this time.
I added some anti-gel to both tanks.
It's plus 1c today and the truck started and quit on the first try.
I waited about 1/2 hr and tried it again and it started and stayed running this time.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
You may have an intermittent air intrusion issue and the temp could just be coincidence. Next time it does it unscrew the fuel filter and see it it is full to the top.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
I have a similar issue in my truck, it seems like it has air intrusion only when it's cold out. If it's 50 (F) or above it can sit 2 weeks and start on the first crank. When it gets much below 30, it will start then die, then I crank for ever and it will eventually re-start after just 2-3 days of sitting. My theory is that when it gets really cold the various seals contract allowing air in, while these seals stay sealed when it's warmer. Maybe now that it's really cold out I should go tighten up the fuel filter, as that's where I found a leak before.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 13
I have a similar issue in my truck, it seems like it has air intrusion only when it's cold out. If it's 50 (F) or above it can sit 2 weeks and start on the first crank. When it gets much below 30, it will start then die, then I crank for ever and it will eventually re-start after just 2-3 days of sitting. My theory is that when it gets really cold the various seals contract allowing air in, while these seals stay sealed when it's warmer. Maybe now that it's really cold out I should go tighten up the fuel filter, as that's where I found a leak before.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 691
Likes: 2
Mine starts below 0C, it just dont like to.
Ther other day was 12F and took about 3 seconds of cranking to fire. She started to run very rough and missed, I increaed idle a little bit and it picked back up. I kept the idle about 900-1000 til it warmed up. Next time I will park close enough to plug in the heater
Ther other day was 12F and took about 3 seconds of cranking to fire. She started to run very rough and missed, I increaed idle a little bit and it picked back up. I kept the idle about 900-1000 til it warmed up. Next time I will park close enough to plug in the heater
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 132
From: Centerville TN
I've got similar issues. This is the first time it's happened to my truck. Just replaced the filter and fixed the fuel heater leak about a month ago. Replaced the glow plugs just after that. I think mine is fuel related as if I try to start it, she turns over several times before even trying to hit.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 2
If your glow plug system and injection system is in good shape you DO NOT need to plug the block heater in for the engine to start. The other day at work my truck sat outside for about 10 hours with a windchill down to roughly -35*F. no block heater, got in it and cycled the plugs, gave it full throttle and cranked it over. it turned over pretty good, coughed a little at first but i held the idle up a bit to help it clear up for a few seconds.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
If the glow plug system is good, batteries and starter, block heater are good and it still won't start then it has to be fuel. Either the fuel is gelling or Orings when they get cold don't seal as well allowing air intrusion. Treat your fuel. And the best thing I ever did to get mine to start was add the facet / carrier fuel pump. $80.00 for the pump and 2 hours to install has been well worth it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,602
Likes: 132
From: Centerville TN
If the glow plug system is good, batteries and starter, block heater are good and it still won't start then it has to be fuel. Either the fuel is gelling or Orings when they get cold don't seal as well allowing air intrusion. Treat your fuel. And the best thing I ever did to get mine to start was add the facet / carrier fuel pump. $80.00 for the pump and 2 hours to install has been well worth it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cross27
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
48
Jan 4, 2013 08:44 AM
FordTruckNoob
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
42
Mar 2, 2008 08:08 PM
Jacksfirstdiesel
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
1
Feb 22, 2007 07:36 PM
71 Muddbugg
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Nov 5, 2005 06:49 PM