What can i do to keep my truck warm in situations where i can't plug it in overnight? temp has been dropping to 10deg lately, or colder, and the cold starts are taking about 20 min.

 

You prolly need to check out your glo plugs,it shouldnt take 20 mins for it to start at 10 degrees.20 secs is even too long.

 

tuck it in to a nice warm comforter and dont forget the down pillow! Then repair the glow plug system.

 

What year is the truck......please put some info up in a signature edit in the Quick links above.

 

And a nice house with central heating and a fireplace, some nice warm cider should perk it right up!

 

How is it taking 20min to start your truck??? Surely not 20 minuts of cranking. Anyway, I've started mine in single diget weather with no problems. I suspect you have glow plug issues. An oil with 5 or lower as the smaller number (i.e. 5w-40) is also a big improvement for cold starts over say a 15w-xx

 

I just had work done on my 7.3 to correct a cold starting problem. I replaced the glow plug controller (plugs were not being excited long enough), and also had my fuel injector pump rebuilt - apparently it was producing less than ideal pressure. Now - no problems.

I had the cold start problems for a while - last year, in -40 deg (C/F: take your pick), I was using a block heater, a 250W oil pan heater, and battery warming blankets on both batteries. With these aids, it would start okay. Without - forget about it. Occasionally, prayer and 60-90 seconds of cranking would get it to start, but in any case, that just wasn't right.

Since the work was done, I haven't yet had to start it at these temperatures when it wasn't connected to power; however, the difference after the pump rebuild was dramatic. Now, as soon as the glow plug indicator goes out I turn the key and it starts - BAM. I suspect that I'll be able to start it from frozen under these conditions - I'll find out in January.

Where are you that you can't plug in? If out in the bush, carry a small gasoline generator - you only need to run it for an hour or so, or, if you're really hardcore, you could look at a diesel fired engine preheater.

 

either start just like on the old trucks that will start it no matter how cold it is lol well ok idk how cold it will go but i hear it starts it real good make sure to disable the glow plugs tho or u will be changing ur pants then ur engine

 

thanx for all the help!!!! I didn't mention the year/model of the truck cause i'm cheatin on my fords lol. found a 85 burban 2500 with the lift, mudders, loaded and the 6.2 diesel for $1800. that's a good enough price to pay just to thrash it in the snowy mountains and sell it when the snow melts. I do lots of campin, and if i can't resolve this startin issue, i'm gonna drag my f-250 turbo diesel back out, never had starting issues with that.

Thanx for the ideas, looks like i'm gonna just swap the glo plugs and get rid of it, **** chevy.

 

Ah, well there's the problem right there.

 

lol the 6.2 is only good for bashing have fun w/ it

 

SUBURBAN






Shame on you

 

lol, i learned my lesson!

 

5 gallons of kerosene poured all over the inside of the Suburban will help keep it warm for an hour or two.
Use a couple of cedar shims to help get the kerosene burning.