Powerstroke Cold Start
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Powerstroke Cold Start
I just about to buy my first diesel truck (95 F250 7.3 Power Sstroke), however just as I was about to write the check I asked about starting in the winter. The owner was up front and said that you have plug the block heater in when the temperature drops below 30 degrees f.
Since I will be using this truck to commute, and my place of work does not have A/C available, and sub-30 degree temperature is quite common (in North Idaho) I hestitated.
Is this typical for a Power Stroke? What are others experience with cold weather starting with an older Power Stroke? This truck has about 118k miles but is well maintained and does have a dual battery package.
Since I will be using this truck to commute, and my place of work does not have A/C available, and sub-30 degree temperature is quite common (in North Idaho) I hestitated.
Is this typical for a Power Stroke? What are others experience with cold weather starting with an older Power Stroke? This truck has about 118k miles but is well maintained and does have a dual battery package.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Loudoun, Va
A welll maintained powerstroke will start at temperatures well below 30. Of course this means all of the glowplugs and injectors must be in good working order. My truck is a 95 also, with 254,000 and it has always started for me without block heater down to about 15 (doesn't get any colder than that in VA) When the previous owner said you have to plug it in, did he mean it won't start or he just hasnt tried it. If it won't-some glow plugs will need to be replaced. Also, battery performance is essential for a powerstroke to start, guys with the numbers regarding voltage needed will be able to help more on that. Good luck with your new truck!
Tuned
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Yea, what RynL88 said. Mine started last winter without plugging it in. Of course I live down South. We had some teens last winter, I may have had to cycle the plugs a couple of times but it always started.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 407
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From: ct.
With everything working correctly it should start no problem in below zero temps. It may have some bad glow plugs or a glow plug relay.
But, 5 to 10 below where I am is the extreme. The owners manual does also have a recomended plug in temp. which I am not sure of.
But, 5 to 10 below where I am is the extreme. The owners manual does also have a recomended plug in temp. which I am not sure of.
Last edited by Gregg C.; Sep 28, 2004 at 08:08 PM. Reason: Bad grammar
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 429
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Here, in the winter, it will go down to the teens SOME; usually, the coldest it regularly gets is the low 30's. However, my neighbor's PowerStroke ALWAYS starts because he: (1) makes sure the glow plugs are in good order, (2) load tests the batteries before winter gets here fully, (3) makes sure the cables and terminals and battery posts are clean and bright and tight, and (4) plugs it in if it gets below 20 degrees. For one full week last winter, it was either 20 degrees or below all week--and that is bad for this far South--but his PowerStroke started EVERY MORNING. He always maintains his truck well and it has never failed to start on the first cycle of the glow plugs.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
During the night both our Powerstrokes are parked inside but when my wife is at work hers sits outside all day long. We get very cold weather up here in Alaska (like -40* for weeks at a time). As long as you keep the glow plugs operating properly and use the proper oil you will not have any starting problems. If I am going to leave one of them outside all night I plug them in if it is colder than 10* above.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Silver Lake, IN
I`ve never had any problem starting my 2000 PSD here in North Central Indiana until last year. The truck has it`s original batteries with 70000mi. I took it to the local dealer to have the glow plugs/relay checked after experincing hard starting and they said they were fine. They informed me to switch to a different weight oil during the winter. I`ve always run Shell Rotella year round with no problems, so I didn`t buy their answer.
Problem: When trying to start the truck it will turn over fine but when it finally fires it acts as though it is not running on all cylinders and lopes like it has a massive cam in it. This last for just a few seconds and then runs fine.
I think I have a glow plug or two out. Any input from you people here at FTE has to what may be my problem?
Thanks, Vinman
Problem: When trying to start the truck it will turn over fine but when it finally fires it acts as though it is not running on all cylinders and lopes like it has a massive cam in it. This last for just a few seconds and then runs fine.
I think I have a glow plug or two out. Any input from you people here at FTE has to what may be my problem?
Thanks, Vinman
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
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Sounds like a couple of bad glow plugs to me. (Or the wiring to them at the connectors under the valve cover.) With 70K miles, I'd actually replace the glow plug relay first, just because that's so easy to do and it's liable to be near its last legs anyway. Then if it still has problems, start measuring glow plugs.
Duncan
Duncan
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,005
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Truckaxle, glow plugs are not a big deal.
Click HERE to go to a great set of instructions. I have the same instructions saved with a few updates (AutoZone part number has evidently changed) and my experience when I did mine a few years back. If you would like them click on my name and send me an eMail with GLOW PLUG INFORMATION in the subject line and the eMail address you would like the information sent to and I will reply with two MS Word attachments.
This site will not allow eMail addresses to show in the threads or private messages.
Dave / Believer45
Click HERE to go to a great set of instructions. I have the same instructions saved with a few updates (AutoZone part number has evidently changed) and my experience when I did mine a few years back. If you would like them click on my name and send me an eMail with GLOW PLUG INFORMATION in the subject line and the eMail address you would like the information sent to and I will reply with two MS Word attachments.
This site will not allow eMail addresses to show in the threads or private messages.
Dave / Believer45
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,005
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Truckaxle, first off WELCOME TO THE SITE!!
I apologize for not doing that in the first post.
I have sent you an eMail, if you will reply with the address you would like me to use I will send you the two MS Word documents I have about this.
Dave / Believer45
I apologize for not doing that in the first post.
I have sent you an eMail, if you will reply with the address you would like me to use I will send you the two MS Word documents I have about this.
Dave / Believer45
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
What is the "proper oil" for cold winter starting? I am in Saskatchewan and we get some -40* weather. I have never had a diesel before buying a 2000 E350 van with a 7.3 turbo diesel. Lots to learn. Learned, so far, to change 3 gallons of oil, change a fuel filter you cannot see, and change a cam position sensor. Now, I am just wondering when the diesel advantages kick in.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Originally Posted by Locoster
What is the "proper oil" for cold winter starting? I am in Saskatchewan and we get some -40* weather.
I have never had a diesel before buying a 2000 E350 van with a 7.3 turbo diesel. Lots to learn. Learned, so far, to change 3 gallons of oil, change a fuel filter you cannot see, and change a cam position sensor. Now, I am just wondering when the diesel advantages kick in
2) Any time you can pass the fuel stop that your gasser bretheren had to use (although with new technologies the mileage difference when empty is not nearly what it once was. Towing, however, is a different story).
3) Any time you are loaded up and pulling a hill.
4) When you pass that 400,000 mile mark with the original engine still intact.
Just to name a few.
Dave / Believer45
