I'm posting this because...Why not, It's what we do on here.

I didn't plug my truck in last night on purpose because I wanted to test starting using the LED. It is -12* F out right now.


I cycled the GP's twice for 1.5 min each, that is when the LED went out. Total of 3 mins of GP's being on, she started like it was plugged in...I'm not kidding, fired right up no sputtering. This is a much better starting results than I have had previously. Tons of white smoke though..but it is sucking in -12* air.


Just proves if your system is up to snuff, you should have no worries.

Stanco GP relay, 5w40 syn, new batteries, everything clean, LED GP indicator, factory starter (200500 miles on it).

 

That's great news!
And your testimony is one reason that I don't ever bother to plug in my truck.

 

I never plug mine in either.......I don't have the extra glow plug LED like you do, but I just cycle it a couple times. No problems........I have noticed a MAJOR difference in the ease of starting since I added Rotella 5w-40 synthetic though! I had 15w-40 Rotella before. It always started...but did some pretty bad "chugging" for 6-10 seconds before smoothing out. I think I'll add an LED glow plug light to my pillar once I get my gauges next week

 

Coldest I've cranked without a block heater was -20, and my truck didn't seem to like it too much. Fired right up, but I did have a few romps, and the injectors were pretty noisy.

 

started mine unplugged at -5 the other morning, Im running 5w-40 syn and it started great! No chugging or anything.

 

Yupp.....the 5w-40 synthetic is my engines favorite thing now! No chug whatsoever....it was 7 degrees this morning, fired right up.

 

So what is an LED glow plug?

 

The LED is just connected to the glow plug relay (GPR) and mounted somewhere in the dash/gauge area. That way it lights whenever the glow plug relay is powered...the Wait to Start (WTS) light is not in anyway connected to the GPR. Read this for more info.

 

Thanks, that was a little to obvious so figured it was something more complicated.

 

when you turn the key how long will the glow plugs stay on??

 

Depends on ambiant temperature 0-120 sec. This morning they stayed on for 120 seconds. I cycled them twice boom fire.

 

Must be nice. I get cold in my area, and it would not start. but if it did I would put a timer on and start my truck that way when ever possible. but I have other issues that are running me around crazy.

 

While I agree with you that our trucks don't need to be plugged in, I do believe that it's easier on the engine when you do plug it in. I know the block heater heats only the coolant, but part of that heat has to transfer to the oil, and the warmer oil will flow easier making the engine achieve full lube sooner.

 

I agree, but there are times where we can't plug them in. Trucks also warm up faster and can be driven sooner when they are plugged in.

 

I know there are times when we can't plug them in, and I'm confident mine would start in any situation I would personally be in, but if the situation allows, I prefer to have it plugged in. Personal preference.