I’ve just purchased a 2002 F350 Dually diesel. Last Saturday, I left our home that morning and the temp outside was around 38 degrees. I didn’t let the truck warm up very much and took off on the highway. To my surprise, the truck starting skipping, sputtering, etc. and had no power. I sat on side of the road for about 10 minutes until the temp guage went up to the norm. The truck only has 1200 miles.

Is it normal for a Diesel to have no power in cold weather if the truck is not warm? Where can I get a computer devise to read the trucks codes(wasn't sure what you call it).

 

Diesels rely on compression to ignite the fuel. If you've ever seen a semi start up on a cold day, they will puke white smoke for awhile until they warm up. This white smoke is raw fuel and water vapor. It is NOT a good idea to work a diesel when it's cold because you could get cylinder wall washing from too much unburned fuel. The best thing is to plan ahead and let her warm up.

 

In addition to the advice from the above post, this particular diesel has a butterfly valve in the outlet side of the turbo which closes to speed up the warm up process. Depending on how tightly it closes (how cold it is) your performance will suffer until it opens sufficiently to let the exhaust out of the engine to run properly.
We had an engine returned from a dealer a couple weeks ago that had the linkage to that butterfly disconnected and when we started it up in the dyno it had low boost and low horsepower because the butterfly wasn't opening all the way (I would have thought the exhaust flow would have blown it to the open position, but it didn't). As soon as we hooked the linkage back up it started running normal again.

 

I dont know where you are located, but a remote starter might be a good idea for you. Normally, if you have auto tranny, shops will install them. This would allow your truck time to warm up before you actually went outside to drive away.

Not all models will work w/ diesel, so be sure its compatible.
I have a store that sells and installs them in NJ. They are very poplar, but most people think you can't put them on diesel.

If you have questions, 856-881-7202 (electronic World) Ted

 

I don't know why they would think that, I have one on mine and it works GREAT. I push the button, it waits 15 seconds for the glow plugs to warm up then it starts the vehicle. And if you want to cool it down after a hard run you can do that without leaving the keys in it. Check with a CODE ALARM Dealer.


2000 F-250 XLT SUPERCAB 7.3 PSD 4X4 AUTO, LIGHTED MOON VISOR, PACE EDWARDS ROLL TOP COVER, SMITTY STAINLESS STEEL BUILT BRUSH GUARD, DIABLO CHIP, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL. I JUST LOVE THIS TRUCK.