Possible cold start upgrade?
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Possible cold start upgrade?
Hey guys Just got done doing a rebuild on my 1994 f350 cclb 7.3L idi factory turbo and got to thinking would it be at all possible to copy a cold start feature seen on some diesels where they have a ignition coil, igniter, and a small shot injector on the intake that basically sends a fireball though the combustion chambers to preheat them? has anyone done this? What would the set-up be like?, what coil would have to be used? What kind of igniter?, etc.. Just thought about doing this myself to try it out and have my concerns about if it would melt my pistons or cause cavitation faster than normal on these engines or putting it before or after the turbo all that good stuff.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
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You could maybe but probably use glo plugs or delete and use ignition fluid. But always interesting where would you put that preheated? Like a glo plug hole ?
Though I had success with a few ways to help cold start in emergency.
Be mindful the oil mist in that intake can cook off and catch fire.
Used a plumbing torch in the intake.
There is a gap between the valley pan and intake, thought a fan flame remote propane nozzle between there.
Heat guns stuff into intake.
A pan of coffee temp water on the battery.
This stuff is like 10 degree emergency wont start things, hot water on battery is every time 20 or below.
Though I had success with a few ways to help cold start in emergency.
Be mindful the oil mist in that intake can cook off and catch fire.
Used a plumbing torch in the intake.
There is a gap between the valley pan and intake, thought a fan flame remote propane nozzle between there.
Heat guns stuff into intake.
A pan of coffee temp water on the battery.
This stuff is like 10 degree emergency wont start things, hot water on battery is every time 20 or below.
Elder User
Joined: May 2018
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cold start feature seen on some diesels where they have a ignition coil, igniter, and a small shot injector on the intake that basically sends a fireball though the combustion chambers
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 854
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From: Maine
If you worry about cold-start in a location with access to 120vac, it is easy to heat the battery, the coolant, and the oil.
https://katsblockheater.com/battery-heaters
https://katsblockheater.com/battery-heaters
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
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As to the original post, ive tried this out of desperation with no luck. In essence, dump gas in intake, set intake on fire, attempt to start engine. Got the odd pop and bang, but never anywhere near starting.
Scope Wizard
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,530
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you know I really hate to even dignify this with a post.......... BUT what works is Pre-heat the combustion Chamber.... and IF your Compression is low then you can send Fire ***** at it all day long and it ain't gonna start......
your best option is what you already have ..... Glow Plugs.... use a Manual system ... I just got a set of 24 V glow plugs but haven't had a chance to try them as my old Autolites that are better than 10 years old are still working... I'll post when I do the 24V mod
EDIT: first off with a V8 you ain't gonna get past the intake valves to pre-heat the cylinders......
IF you had a Compression Release this might be a different story as that would allow your cranking speed to increase a bit before you light it off.....
I loved the old Cart start Recips engines that I used to work on
your best option is what you already have ..... Glow Plugs.... use a Manual system ... I just got a set of 24 V glow plugs but haven't had a chance to try them as my old Autolites that are better than 10 years old are still working... I'll post when I do the 24V mod
EDIT: first off with a V8 you ain't gonna get past the intake valves to pre-heat the cylinders......
IF you had a Compression Release this might be a different story as that would allow your cranking speed to increase a bit before you light it off.....
I loved the old Cart start Recips engines that I used to work on
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The V12 engine i work on at work has an injector and igniter right after the turbos on both banks these are used as part of the preheat cycle and cold start. They also have a massive coil heater to pre heat the fuel to almost flash point then fire it into the cylinders. This V12 is also indirect injection however its an SOHC and its a dry engine (meaning not water-cooled) also this engine goes in a 72TON Tracked Recovery Vehicle lol so big af.
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you know I really hate to even dignify this with a post.......... BUT what works is Pre-heat the combustion Chamber.... and IF your Compression is low then you can send Fire ***** at it all day long and it ain't gonna start......
your best option is what you already have ..... Glow Plugs.... use a Manual system ... I just got a set of 24 V glow plugs but haven't had a chance to try them as my old Autolites that are better than 10 years old are still working... I'll post when I do the 24V mod
EDIT: first off with a V8 you ain't gonna get past the intake valves to pre-heat the cylinders......
IF you had a Compression Release this might be a different story as that would allow your cranking speed to increase a bit before you light it off.....
I loved the old Cart start Recips engines that I used to work on
your best option is what you already have ..... Glow Plugs.... use a Manual system ... I just got a set of 24 V glow plugs but haven't had a chance to try them as my old Autolites that are better than 10 years old are still working... I'll post when I do the 24V mod
EDIT: first off with a V8 you ain't gonna get past the intake valves to pre-heat the cylinders......
IF you had a Compression Release this might be a different story as that would allow your cranking speed to increase a bit before you light it off.....
I loved the old Cart start Recips engines that I used to work on
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 854
Likes: 49
From: Maine
The V12 engine i work on at work has an injector and igniter right after the turbos on both banks these are used as part of the preheat cycle and cold start. They also have a massive coil heater to pre heat the fuel to almost flash point then fire it into the cylinders. This V12 is also indirect injection however its an SOHC and its a dry engine (meaning not water-cooled) also this engine goes in a 72TON Tracked Recovery Vehicle lol so big af.
Not water cooled. What then? Air cooled?
Roy
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Like an inline coolent heater? I also thought about heating the coolent a few times... Like taking and putting block heaters in all the plug ports and wiring them together, i feel like that would make the engine nice and toasty lol.
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it is air cooled. And i forget the original company who made them but think it might be B&E Systems or Honeywell not sure ill have to look for you.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Alberta Eh
It’s plumbed into your fuel tank as it runs off diesel fuel, n you have a timer you can set for when you want it to come on. It’s all self contained, so equipment can be left out in the bush and still fire up when it’s needed later
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,519
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From: Nevada
Webasto is a German Co. (or was) that makes an engine heater. The unit fits under the hood, runs on either Diesel or Gas.
Uses the vehicles fuel system to operate. It can be set on a timer to turn on, and I think some models can even warm the cabin area.
https://www.google.com/search?q=weba...w=1093&bih=506
They make small one`s for cars and larger one`s for 18 wheelers. Haven`t read up on them in probably 10 years. I was all hot on
installing one in my 85 300D Mercedes till I saw the price for one.
All my years of crawling through PNP only came across one MB that had one, and was a grey market gasser from the 80`s.
I removed it thinking I could install it, but finally sold it to another MB guy back east.
Eberbacher is another co. in Germany that makes them also
https://www.eberspaecher-na.com/prod...selection.html
Now I just use the GP`s on manual, 8sec glow and she belches to life.
I did use the HF Heat Gun down the intake for quite a while before I got around to replacing the inop GP`s.
If you want a Fire Ball just forget to remove the Filter
that will excite you. 
...... for sure.
Charlie
Uses the vehicles fuel system to operate. It can be set on a timer to turn on, and I think some models can even warm the cabin area.
https://www.google.com/search?q=weba...w=1093&bih=506
They make small one`s for cars and larger one`s for 18 wheelers. Haven`t read up on them in probably 10 years. I was all hot on
installing one in my 85 300D Mercedes till I saw the price for one.
All my years of crawling through PNP only came across one MB that had one, and was a grey market gasser from the 80`s.
I removed it thinking I could install it, but finally sold it to another MB guy back east.
Eberbacher is another co. in Germany that makes them also
https://www.eberspaecher-na.com/prod...selection.html
Now I just use the GP`s on manual, 8sec glow and she belches to life.
I did use the HF Heat Gun down the intake for quite a while before I got around to replacing the inop GP`s.
If you want a Fire Ball just forget to remove the Filter
that will excite you. ...... for sure.Charlie
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 695
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They make small one`s for cars and larger one`s for 18 wheelers. Haven`t read up on them in probably 10 years. I was all hot on
installing one in my 85 300D Mercedes till I saw the price for one.
installing one in my 85 300D Mercedes till I saw the price for one.