Cold start capability
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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Cold start capability
Our forecasted HIGHS are going to be -9F Mon-Tue, so I guess I'll really get a chance to see how this thing starts in the cold. This will be the coldest weather we've seen since I got my 2011.
I know most of us do not use the block heater, but thought I would ask: is there a recommended plug-in temperature?
Finally, other than the 'black bottle', is there anything I should be doing to avert fuel gelling?
I know most of us do not use the block heater, but thought I would ask: is there a recommended plug-in temperature?
Finally, other than the 'black bottle', is there anything I should be doing to avert fuel gelling?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,910
Likes: 2,635
From: The Great State of Texas
Our forecasted HIGHS are going to be -9F Mon-Tue, so I guess I'll really get a chance to see how this thing starts in the cold. This will be the coldest weather we've seen since I got my 2011.
I know most of us do not use the block heater, but thought I would ask: is there a recommended plug-in temperature?
Finally, other than the 'black bottle', is there anything I should be doing to avert fuel gelling?
I know most of us do not use the block heater, but thought I would ask: is there a recommended plug-in temperature?
Finally, other than the 'black bottle', is there anything I should be doing to avert fuel gelling?
As far as fuel gelling I would use either Power Service white bottle or the Ford fuel additives for anti gelling, being sure to run the engine enough to get these additives throughout the complete fuel system asap. In addition I would be using a 5W40 synthetic oil to assist with cold starts.
I would be interesting for a follow up on how your truck starts and performs in these cold temps.
Good luck...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
Technically, it will be fine without. Our Canadian friends have proven these engines will start in much colder temps.
Personally, I would plug it in if you have the element.
The faster it warms up, the more efficient the engine will be and the sooner you'll have heat.
Put it on a timer and have it turn on four hours before you start.
Someone here with daily experience may have a better idea on number of hours though.
Run the power cord over a mirror so you see it.
It will be 9°F here Monday and I would still plug in the element if I had one whether it needed it or not.
To me, it seems like there is something to gain and nothing to lose by doing this.
In 2011, I started my truck at 8°F with Motorcraft 15w-40 oil.
The engine was certainly a bit cranky but it idled to 1200 RPM immediately and ran fine.
I certainly wouldn't want to start it with 15w-40 every day though.
All of this coming from a guy that lives in AL...HA!
Personally, I would plug it in if you have the element.
The faster it warms up, the more efficient the engine will be and the sooner you'll have heat.
Put it on a timer and have it turn on four hours before you start.
Someone here with daily experience may have a better idea on number of hours though.
Run the power cord over a mirror so you see it.
It will be 9°F here Monday and I would still plug in the element if I had one whether it needed it or not.
To me, it seems like there is something to gain and nothing to lose by doing this.
In 2011, I started my truck at 8°F with Motorcraft 15w-40 oil.
The engine was certainly a bit cranky but it idled to 1200 RPM immediately and ran fine.
I certainly wouldn't want to start it with 15w-40 every day though.
All of this coming from a guy that lives in AL...HA!
Last edited by kper05; Jan 2, 2014 at 10:33 PM. Reason: typo...
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,099
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From: Yorkton Sask
You'll be fine with just plugging in. -9f is about -22c, no need to worry about fuel gelling either IMO. Its been -33-37c here this past week. Truck starts 100% every morning, no additives, no fuel issues. Plugging in for 4 hours is good tho i leave mine all night and whenever it is home or parked for more than a few hours once temps drop to -15 - -20 or worse. Good luck and stay warm!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
LOL. Plugging in at 32F, I guess if I had one I would too though. More people on here who live constantly in colder weather can talk better then me, but I just drove across the US twice with my truck(Christmas Vacation, Washington State to Georgia). In Missouri, we encountered 9 degrees F, and the truck with no additive started perfectly every time(Once on the way there, another on the way back). Good luck!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
I'd plug in if around zero. 3 hours is sufficient. No additives. Plugging will keep the engine itself warmer and when you start it there is fuel in the system ready to use. Excessive fuel gets returned to the fuel/water separator and will warm the new fuel up.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Annapolis, MD
Well guess I'll find out the hard way since currently the wind chill is -4 and I think the low is 11....
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
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I would certainly hope that our 6.7's can do better than a 2006 Sprinter when it comes to cold weather starting.
My old Sprinter would always start at temps down to -15 F without additives or block heater. It did have a supplemental diesel fired coolant heater, but I didn't fire that up until after it was started. I used that heater more to keep me warm, since at below 0 temps the thing would never warm up and would get cold while sitting at a traffic light.
My old Sprinter would always start at temps down to -15 F without additives or block heater. It did have a supplemental diesel fired coolant heater, but I didn't fire that up until after it was started. I used that heater more to keep me warm, since at below 0 temps the thing would never warm up and would get cold while sitting at a traffic light.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 914
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From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Sorry, but this is funny. We have been below -28C (-20F) for a majority of the last month and I do plug the truck in below -15C (5F) when not parked in my heated garage and have no problems starting it. Even when not plugged in at 0F to -20F it starts easily and I use regular PM22 year round.
At my office out of town I don't have a plug in and it sometimes sits below -28C (-20F) or lower all day without plugging in and starts like a champ. It takes longer to warm up, but these trucks are totally different in the cold than the old diesels. I'm sure Darren will pipe in here soon, I don't think he ever plugs in his truck and we have been as cold as -35C (-31F) this year for about 14 or more days in the last month.
At my office out of town I don't have a plug in and it sometimes sits below -28C (-20F) or lower all day without plugging in and starts like a champ. It takes longer to warm up, but these trucks are totally different in the cold than the old diesels. I'm sure Darren will pipe in here soon, I don't think he ever plugs in his truck and we have been as cold as -35C (-31F) this year for about 14 or more days in the last month.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
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From: Maryland
Using the block heater is more of a luxury than a necessity. I used it below 30* or so with my 6.0 because it gave me instant heat and it does help the engine run more efficiently quicker which is good for longevity. Man I sure don't miss all the mechanically injected farm equipment that I used to battle at anything much below 40*F!
Senior User
Joined: May 2012
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cold
That is good advice. The truck may start without the block-heater but it is there for a reason, not just to assist cold starts. It is easier on the engine with the block-heater plugged in and it will warm up quicker. Using a winter blend motor oil will help the engine too! Especially a quality synthetic blend oil. I plug my truck in with a timer set to go on 3 hours before my anticipated start time. Don't need it on all night. And I remote start with the block-heater on and let it warm up and unhook the block-heater when I get out to the truck. I set the remote start to either 10 or the 15 minute shutoff mark, depending on my anticipated time to get out to the truck. And starting it with the block-heater on has never caused a problem for all the years I have done this. So use the block-heater and know it is making it easier on your truck. I also have the supplemental cab heater but I don't think it is as efficient as I would have hoped it would be.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Agreed, it is better to plug it in when it is cold. I normally plug mine in at -20C (-5F) or colder because it starts better and warms up faster. But like other I don't always have that option.
Here is a video of mine starting at -35C (-31F) not plugged in. It sat all night. I have odyssey batteries which I am sure helps. But as you can see, it fires right up
20131207_083349_zpsbb2d048b.mp4 Video by darren323232 | Photobucket
Here is a video of mine starting at -35C (-31F) not plugged in. It sat all night. I have odyssey batteries which I am sure helps. But as you can see, it fires right up
20131207_083349_zpsbb2d048b.mp4 Video by darren323232 | Photobucket
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 163
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From: Albany NY
My truck fired and ran smooth at 4 degrees F this morning with no plug in.
I used the block heater in single digit weather with my 6.9L and 7.3L. They both started OK but the engines ran so rough for the first 2-3 minutes I thought they'd jump out of the engine compartment!
The 5W40 synthetic made a very big difference in regards to reducing the initial rough idle in very cold weather.