After a couple years of procrastination, the stack of incentives in July was too much and I bought an '05 crew XLT shortbed powerstroke on Monday. For a family with equestrian and motorsport passions we've done without a truck for a long time and I'm looking forward to doing some of our own towing. Anyhow, a couple of rank-newcomer questions:
1) how long should the diesel crank before firing up? Seems like it cranks for several seconds before turning over.
2) What have people experienced with cold weather starting? I would've liked to get a block heater but there wasn't much selection by the time I found my truck. We've had plenty of 0-10 degree days here in NJ the last few years, is this thing going to start? How big a deal is it to retrofit a block heater?
3) The stock fuel tank is 29 gal, which doesn't seem like that much. I see there are aftermarket replacement tanks which fit in the stock location and carry 45-50 gal of diesel. Has anyone tried one of these? How big a project to retrofit?
4) finally, non-powerstroke question while I'm at it, how big a project is it to install a gooseneck hitch myself?
Thanks, I've enjoyed the forum as a lurker for several years and appreciate the collective wisdom and insight!
Brandon

 

Hey, I was the same way. How could I not resist all the incentives to bring my $44K truck down to $34.5. Last week of July got the XLT Supercab, shortbed with XLT Sport option Fx4 and is loaded to the hilt. Just love this truck like I have loved no other. Regarding cranking, it varies. When she is cold, a little longer. When she is hot, a little shorter. In my first 500 miles, I have seen no rhyme or reason to the length of cranking time. Good luck. I have read many post on here regarding oil and fuel additives...U should do the same.

 

1. Depending on ambient temperature, engine temp/how long it's been sitting, etc., diesels do take a few seconds to crank off. Mine takes about 3 seconds after sitting overnight, in Texas summer eather.

2. Believe it or not, you already have a block heater. The heater itself is included with every block. All you need to do is get the appropriate AC cord and attach it. I believe if you'll search the forums and/or look in the Tech Folder, you can find the part number. I recall someone saying the block heater cord from International for the VT365 (same as the 6.0 PSD, in International parlance) was cheaper than buying the part from Ford, but I'm not certain.

3. Several people have the TransferFlow tanks in their vehicles. I believe, to stay legal with all the emissions requirements, you have to have the tank installed by a certified installer. Search the forums for TransferFlow and/or TransFlow and you should be able to find plenty of info.

As far as US's comments on oil and additives, that's definitely something you should be thinking about...