Coldest you've started without plugging in?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 10
We stayed in Craig this past week near freeman reservoir. I knew it was cold as it was hard to keep the camper warm and we exhausted all of the propane by noon and headed back in the afternoon. Probably one of the coldest starts it has ever made, but it made it!
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
10 degrees for me this AM, new low for me. Rebuilt Denso style starter, batteries on charge overnight as I knew I was going to do this and about a minute of glow plugs. About three seconds of cranking, about two romps and enough blue/white smoke to let the neighbors know that I was up and running. I believe that the starter was the culprit in my cold start issues last winter.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Michigan Upper Peninsula
-12 is the coldest I've had so far this winter. I haven't plugged in all this winter yet because of i've been too lazy to replace the damaged ac cord from last winter. I let the glow plugs stay on from 30 secs to 60 secs before cranking depending on how cold it is. With fresh batteries and 5W-40 synthetic I haven't had any issues. Cranks fast and starts right up. One thing about the lighter oil though, it blows blue smoke for awhile when its below 32 degs and the colder it gets the longer it smokes.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
For me -14 deg F. Lots of smoke out of the exhaust and loud banging injectors.
When it's plugged in though, it sure starts different. After 15 minutes or so running with it still plugged in, she's ready to go with the windshield clear. Only problem with that is I've driven away with the cord still plugged in more than once.
When it's plugged in though, it sure starts different. After 15 minutes or so running with it still plugged in, she's ready to go with the windshield clear. Only problem with that is I've driven away with the cord still plugged in more than once.
Are you running full synthetic oil?
Many times up in your area in sub temps, no issues
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Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
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From: Gulf Coast of Florida
I believe I fired up at -25° F a few years back, but I am certain of -9° F about a month ago. I have replaced the OEM GPR with the "Mouser" unit, my glow plugs are several years old but have maybe 50k miles of usage. I use 8 oz of Diesel Kleen + 8 oz of 2-stroke oil every time I fuel up (typically 30 gallons). I run Rotella T6 fully synthetic oil as well, and I know that makes a significant difference.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Michigan Upper Peninsula
Yes, this winter I've got Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil in. Prior to that I've used Rotella T6.
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