new 04 f550 owner, no start
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New User
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new 04 f550 owner, no start
newbie here...i couldnt start my psd f550 this AM...last night was the coldest so far here in Boston, and it has sat for at least two days prior...it was not plugged in at all, i was under the belief that it only needs to be plugged in under much colder conditions...its been anywhere from 25-40 over the last few days...
is the problem not having it plugged in?
is the problem not having it plugged in?
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New User
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40K miles...im at work now, but i just had someone plug it in for me...we'll wait a couple of hours and see
also, i have not added any additive to the fuel...if it doesnt start after a few hrs of being plugged in...should i add some fuel additive?
also, i have not added any additive to the fuel...if it doesnt start after a few hrs of being plugged in...should i add some fuel additive?
Last edited by mfd18; Dec 31, 2006 at 10:47 AM.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 489
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From: Between Shelby / Avoca Ia
My tested cold start procedure
If you aren't in a time crunch, plug it in. 25-40 during the day means it could have gotten down to 10-30 at night. If it hasn't been started in 2-3 days the engine and transmision has had time to cool down to the outside temperature completely. Normal daily driving will keep the engine and tranny warmer than what the outside temp is. My exhaust temp shows 50 deg when the overhead shows 35 on cold mornings.
Let the glow plugs cycle then turn off and let them cycle again. If I have left my truck at the farm for a long cold week-end it may take 3 cycles to get her started. The glow plugs are warming the cylinders and heads, which warm the oil that power the injectors.
Also, when you get it started DON'T put the TorqueShift in gear until the Trans Temp gauge moves. The computer will shut the engine down if the tranny is not at operating temperature.
Let the glow plugs cycle then turn off and let them cycle again. If I have left my truck at the farm for a long cold week-end it may take 3 cycles to get her started. The glow plugs are warming the cylinders and heads, which warm the oil that power the injectors.
Also, when you get it started DON'T put the TorqueShift in gear until the Trans Temp gauge moves. The computer will shut the engine down if the tranny is not at operating temperature.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Florence,SC
do oyu have a early build 04 or late build 04? if it is early build, then check your glowplug connectors. we had some issues with the locks breaking and when it is thatcold they will be a no start. now if it is a late build, watch your oil pressure gauge during cranking. see if it comes up within 5 or so seconds of spinning over. if it takes a while for the gauge to come up, then take it to the dealer because we have had some issues with the stc fitting on the back of the pump.
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Postmaster
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From: Florence,SC
Originally Posted by jbullfrog
The glow plugs are warming the cylinders and heads, which warm the oil that power the injectors.
Also, when you get it started DON'T put the TorqueShift in gear until the Trans Temp gauge moves. The computer will shut the engine down if the tranny is not at operating temperature.
Also, when you get it started DON'T put the TorqueShift in gear until the Trans Temp gauge moves. The computer will shut the engine down if the tranny is not at operating temperature.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
I would lean more twards running a fuel addative, more so than the plugging in. I have had temps in the low 20's over the last month and mine has not been plugged in and always cranked on the first try. I will say though since having the 05e15 recall done it does seem to crank a little easier when cold. You may wish to switch to a quality diesel rated 10W30 conventional or even a 5W40 synthetic for winter. If you are are currently running 15W40 you will notice a big difference upon startup usinig either of the above mentioned.
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I seem to remember hearing that they must be plugged in at -20*C, which is about -4*F... How did it run when it finally started? Did it feel like it was misfiring on a few cylinders and really low on power? If so, you may have weak injectors like BTH was mentioning. Or, you could still have glow plug problems. They should start pretty well without a block heater being used (if the glow plugs and injectors are okay) at the temperatures you are at right now.
And as mrxlh said, you should use an anti-gel fuel additive.
And as mrxlh said, you should use an anti-gel fuel additive.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by BowTieHatr
also i have never seen the computer shut the truck down with a cold engine and tranny. if you are having this problem, then you have issues going on.
Actually, if you have an aftermarket tranny gauge, you will understand that the OEM is only an idiot gauge. I can drive mine 5+ miles and the OEM gauge will show in the normal range and my aftermarket won't have even moved yet.
PS Thanks for the info on which engine. We were all wondering on LTS.