My PSD hates the cold!!!!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gardnerville, NV
My PSD hates the cold!!!!
Here is a quick run down,,,, Last winter I had issues with my truck starting and running in the cold weather, (anything below 40 degrees). I got the codes for glow plugs, changed them all and replaced the GPR. I have also replaced the batteries and battery cables. The oil and filters were changed less than 1000 miles ago.
The trouble is this, it will start, run for maybe 5-45 seconds and die like it is out of fuel. It is 18 degrees here this morning, the block heater was not plugged in last night because I wanted to see if it would start and run this morning. It started, no white smoke, ran great for about 30 seconds and then it acted like it was running out of fuel. I can restart it, but it cranks a few seconds longer than normal, and then does the same thing, dies.
How crucial is the fuel heater in the filter bowl and how can I test it to see if it is working? Also, I have done the IAH delete mod, should I put this air heater back in?
The trouble is this, it will start, run for maybe 5-45 seconds and die like it is out of fuel. It is 18 degrees here this morning, the block heater was not plugged in last night because I wanted to see if it would start and run this morning. It started, no white smoke, ran great for about 30 seconds and then it acted like it was running out of fuel. I can restart it, but it cranks a few seconds longer than normal, and then does the same thing, dies.
How crucial is the fuel heater in the filter bowl and how can I test it to see if it is working? Also, I have done the IAH delete mod, should I put this air heater back in?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
AIH won't kick on in that short of time anyway. It sounds to me like you have some gelling going on. I would imagine it taking about that long to clog the filter with wax particles. Fuel bowl heater might help, but what are you using for anti-gel additive?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gardnerville, NV
I figured the "winter blend" fuel would not gel on me. The truck runs fine at operating temp, it is just a pain to get it running when it's cold. No issue in the warmer months.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
Your AIH will not help you with starting problems. I live in a cold weather winter area and my AIH has been gone for years.
Like Joe suggested, it may be bad fuel/gelling type of an issue you are having. White bottle DK in my tank all winter without any issues. You might want to open your fuel filter on one of these cold mornings and take a look to see if the fuel is cloudy or starting to solidify up there. Just because it's "winter blend" doesn't always mean that it's blending right and cannot gel on you. We've seen it happen around here.
Like Joe suggested, it may be bad fuel/gelling type of an issue you are having. White bottle DK in my tank all winter without any issues. You might want to open your fuel filter on one of these cold mornings and take a look to see if the fuel is cloudy or starting to solidify up there. Just because it's "winter blend" doesn't always mean that it's blending right and cannot gel on you. We've seen it happen around here.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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did it romp or idle smooth before it died? mine did the same thing the other day at the same temps, but mine would romp a few times then die. I regurly use DK in the white bottle. i have had a few threads on here with my problem. I'd like to know if you figure it out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Romps are different. That has to do with the oil system. Going to syn oil seems to be the fix for that.
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From: Gardnerville, NV
The idle was smooth, and then it sputtered and died. It didn't really "romp" though. It was like it just ran out of fuel.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gardnerville, NV
Any tips on which synthetic oil to use?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Gardnerville, NV
Thanks for the info. It gets cold enough here all winter that this will probably be a good oil change option for the "cold season".
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Senior User
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From: Gardnerville, NV
I haven't done any tanks mods as of yet, have never had the tank out of the truck. Do the screens in the tank have issues in colder weather? Is there a thread that has step by step directions for the tank mods?
(I know, I know, use the search button!!)
(I know, I know, use the search button!!)
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From: Gardnerville, NV
It only happens when it is cold/cooler than about 40 degrees, but once the truck warms up a bit the problem is gone. I'm hoping the fuel additive is my answer.