I have a Ranger 2.5 4x4 XLT (Diesel). I purchased it in Thailand and have brought it back to the UK. Does anyone know if I should make any mods to the engine etc.
It has become a bit colder and upon starting, the engine isn't very smooth and chugs for about 5seconds. Any ideas ??

Thanx

 

The climatic conditions of the UK and Thailand differ quite a bit...yes, I know, that is a no-brainer...and the cooler weather of the UK can put quite a strain on the starting system of your Ranger.

First of all, which diesel fuel have you in the tank, #1 or #2? Each fuel blend is specifically blended for differring temperatures and humidity.
Secondly, check your fuel filter. Quite truly, bacteria can form a "goop" which can begin to clog the filter. That is why PowerService, for example, in their part number 1025 diesel fuel treatment has an anti-bateriological chemical compound in it. Further, what about the quality of the fuel you have if it was the fuel originally purchased in Thailand?? What about the age of the fuel you are running off of presently?
Did you have your diesel transported to the UK by ship or by air? (No, that is not trying to be intrusive; much rather, the time spent in transport and the conditions of the transport may well have contributed to condensatory water build-up in the tank and lines and filter.)
I hope these thoughts at least give you some benefit and some places to check.
Good luck!

 

Welcome to FTE!!

I don't know much about diesels but would a block heater help Loan Ranger?

 

Yes, Ken00, it surely would! Diesels don't like winter almost as badly as I do! (LOL) The Ranger to which he is referring may not, however, have an OEM heater and plug. Still, it is no big thing to install one, of course. There are a number of options available: (1) Purchase an aftermarket heater that installs in the lower radiator hose to warm the coolant. Heat transfers throughout the coolant, warming the block sufficiently for it to start. (2) Purchase an aftermarket heater that installs into one of the freeze plug openings in the block. It, too, warms the coolant, transferring its heat throughout the engine. (3) Get three magnetic heaters that will attach to the block, the head, and the oil pan. They do work very well. The downside to that, however, is they must be taken off before the truck is driven. Three of them will warm the block and the oil (warming the oil will help start-up, help initial oil flow, and cut down on the tme it takes for the oil to flow fully throughout the engine) and the head (and a diesel always fires up easier when the head and combustion chambers are warm).

Further, one can get an electrical pad upon which the battery sits as it rests in the battery tray and which warms the battery. During winter, the requirement of current to start a diesel is up 125%--but a battery loses voltage dramatically in freezing weather.

Too, one can get a battery charger and cut it down to 1 to 2 amps and put a trickle charge on the battery while the truck is shut off overnight. It, of course, keeps the battery fully charged and keeps the battery from freezing, too--and, yes, despite having acid, they can freeze if they lose enough of their charge! (The downsize to this is one must be very careful to not put a high charge rate on the battery and ruin it and/or put so high a charge on it that the diodes in the alternator are blown out.)

With these steps, or similar ones, and PowerService (or a similar product) in the fuel and good diesel fuel, it can be fairly easily overcome.

 

I was thinking a truck built for Thailand wouldn't have a heater and the nice warm block and oil would make cranking much easier. Thanks for all the diesel information Loan Ranger.

 

It was no problem for me to type it at all, Ken. I know these things will work and I hate to read of someone having a difficulty. (Too, these posts really help with those "off the wall" things that NO shop manual could possibly anticipate!)
We have diesel pickups--all Ford, of course--diesel combine, diesel tractor, and a diesel medium duty--again, Ford. Starting them off in winter can be a challenge. The suggestions I posted are, truly, proven helps. Been there and done that! LOL

Even down here in Tennessee, we can have some quite cold snaps with some snow and ice. I have seen it sufficiently cold that gasoline engines were quite difficult to get started. So, I have these items...better safe than sorry!