Starting a PSD...wait or not?

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Nov 6, 2003 | 02:55 PM

#16

Shake-N-Bake

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 6,096

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From: Mesa AZ

I usually wait too. I've just gotten into the habit of turning the key to run, buckling up, putting on my shades, etc. By that time, the light usually goes off and it's time to start the truck. The "Wait to Start" light never stays on very long anyway....I've never timed it, but it can't be any more than 4 or 5 seconds. Does the light stay on longer for you guys in colder areas?

Remember when we all learned to drive (back in the 1900's) and we were told to start the engine(gas) and let it warm up for a bit before we drove off? Well, we trained ourselves to start the engine first and then do other things like buckle our seat belts, adjust the seat, check our mirrors, put away the window shade etc. When I bought my first diesel this past summer, I found myself following those same steps. I'd get in my truck and watch that little light until it went out, then I'd start the engine and move on to all my other 'routine' things. It took a few months to retrain myself....but now I think everything works out fine. I don't find that waiting for the light to go out takes any extra time at all.
In fact, my truck is usually ready to start before I am.

Nov 6, 2003 | 05:22 PM

#17

TERSEJR

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 230

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From: CO.

I wait. Yes it takes 1-2 sec. longer if it is cold out side and it has been sitting for afew hours. What is the rush anyways?

2000 F350 CREW LONG BED 6'' W/37"S SCMT 80 BANKS EXAUST W/ GAUGES.

Nov 6, 2003 | 06:34 PM

#18

patuca

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: orygun

i believe crumm said it right. after a lenthy talk with a few tech's it also my understanding that the glow plugs will continue to burn dependent upon outside and engine temp after the motor has started and you're runnin down the road. however in cold situations i suppose waiting is the way to go. my truck needs all the help in can get here in WA right now...lol. when it's all warmed up, jump in and crank away. me personally? i wait every time, warm or cold. i'm never in much of a rush to get anywhere...lol.

Nov 6, 2003 | 08:29 PM

#19

alanscott

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From: Western Colorado USA

So if the glow plugs have been rewired so they don't come on, do you still need to to wait on the light?

Nov 6, 2003 | 08:56 PM

#20

patuca

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From: orygun

Nov 6, 2003 | 09:33 PM

#21

13hondacr250

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Fairbanks Alaska

I never understoof the double cycling of plugs. They stay on for 2 minutes anyways hot or cold. So I always just waited a bit more after the WTS went off when its really cold.

When its warm I just jump in and go!

When I get in my 150 I turn the key, put on belt ect and then realize I don't have t wait. All I'm doing is heating up the coil by waiting. LOL

Nov 6, 2003 | 11:55 PM

#22

HoseDog

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: North Idaho

Quote:

Originally posted by alanscott
So if the glow plugs have been rewired so they don't come on, do you still need to to wait on the light?

Good question. I've considered wiring a cutout switch on the glow plug relay to save the "unnecessary" battery drain.

Nov 6, 2003 | 11:57 PM

#23

sparke454

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Joined: Aug 2003

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my understanding of the glow plugs is to warm the air up prior to entering the combustion chamber. since a diesel does not use a spark to ignite the fuel the air needs to be warmed up to aid in the combustion of the fuel prior to entering the combustion chamber.