Trouble Starting
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 78
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Trouble Starting
I have a 1996 F-250 PSD. I live in western Massachusetts and lately its been getting down to around -5 degrees. When I go to start my truck in 10 degree weather and below its tough to start. After the glow plug light goes off and I turn the key you can hear the engine trying to turn over very slowly and it takes 15 - 20 seconds of turning over the engine to finally get it started. At first the RPMs dont even move when you turn the key but after about 10 seconds it finally turns over at 250 RPMs or so. Its a real rough start but I can get it started. I also have it plugged in all night.
I was just wondering if this is just what happens in cold weather or if the glow plugs are shot or something like that. I dont use any diesel additives but im going to run up to Auto Zone right now and get some.
Thanks in advance
I was just wondering if this is just what happens in cold weather or if the glow plugs are shot or something like that. I dont use any diesel additives but im going to run up to Auto Zone right now and get some.
Thanks in advance
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Well I would think that you already have winter fuel in your tank so the additives won't help much, but it can't hurt either. If you engine is cranking over very sluggishly it sounds like your batteries, starter, cables need attention somewhere.
Also (broken record sound) switch to synthetic oil, it make a huge difference in cold starting.
Also (broken record sound) switch to synthetic oil, it make a huge difference in cold starting.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26
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Greatsave,
Although this may sound odd, check and make sure you have power to your extention cord (personal mistake on my part). Also have you changed your oil for winter time? gets pretty thick at 5 degrees. Injoy the comming snow on the east coast I'm in Michigan and we just got about 12 - 14 in.
hoped this helped a little
martin
Although this may sound odd, check and make sure you have power to your extention cord (personal mistake on my part). Also have you changed your oil for winter time? gets pretty thick at 5 degrees. Injoy the comming snow on the east coast I'm in Michigan and we just got about 12 - 14 in.
hoped this helped a little
martin
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I checked the power to the extention cord that I use to plug in my truck and there is power. The colder the weather, the longer I have to be turning the engine over until it starts. Makes sense but should it take 20 seconds of turning the engine over before it starts? How would you tell if the engine block heater is even working? Can you hear it turn on once you plug it in? Just wondering because once I plug it in I dont hear any sounds of it turning on or something like that.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 212
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From: Portsmouth, VA
Originally Posted by firebiz16
I'm in NC and the 20 degree weather ive had problems, I was also told to change the oil to Ford Diesel 10w-30. Was told that this would make a huge difference. Just my 2 cents
Chris
Chris
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 212
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From: Portsmouth, VA
Originally Posted by Greatsaves28
Well I bought my truck in December and they changed the oil for winter conditions. Im wondering if the engine block heater is shot. How would you tell?
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