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Why Wait To Start?

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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 05:59 PM
  #1  
FordTE's Avatar
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Why Wait To Start?

I read that the glow plugs are not called for below a certain engine temperature (I don't recall the exact number, 55-60 I think it was). So if the engine is above the need for glow plugs, Is there something else, worthwhile, we are waiting for?
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:36 PM
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It really won't hurt anything except maybe forming a bad habit as long as your oil temp is above 55 deg C (131 deg F) unless you're at altitude or some other factor is causing the GPR to activate.

You could test GPR output to verify the conditions you think are good, or just do the GPR LED mod so you know when the glow plugs are activated.

This time of year, I'd wait a few seconds to be on the safe side.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:43 PM
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I have NEVER waited to start. I now have over 325,000 on original glow plugs and relay.
Also never a starting issue. Turn key & it starts.

BTW although FL is in my sig truck has only been here 100,000 mi of its' life.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:44 PM
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Basically it is a dummy light for people that don't know diesels so that way it can warm a bit. IT is true in the summer months it pops right off. But when it was 18 degrees here the other day me and Cory hooked up AE and the GPR stayed on a full 2 minutes.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:46 PM
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As long as water isnt freezing in puddles, the truck will usually start without glow plugs.

Keep in mind that just because it starts, doesnt mean it starts as easy as it could if you gave the glow plugs a chance.

Right now my parking spot has 12" of snow, and believe me, I give her the glow plugs every time even when plugged in.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 08:24 PM
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I did the GPR LED mod, that is how i noticed that the WTS was on and the glow plugs were not. What I am wondering is if there is something besides the glow plugs that the PSM is waiting for. Is it waiting for vacuum or fuel pressure to build up?
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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Nope...not waiting for anything.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by cleatus12r
Nope...not waiting for anything.

exactly...I only give mine a few seconds in the cold.

Put it this way, Cat doesn't use glow plugs in any of their engines (minus some small stuff in lawn and garden). As a mechanic for Cat, I got to do some work in the "cold room" at a temperature of -45*F. Needless to say that kitty fired right up
 
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Old Jan 11, 2010 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by nhill2090
exactly...I only give mine a few seconds in the cold.

Put it this way, Cat doesn't use glow plugs in any of their engines (minus some small stuff in lawn and garden). As a mechanic for Cat, I got to do some work in the "cold room" at a temperature of -45*F. Needless to say that kitty fired right up
Don't they use heater grids like Cummins instead?
 
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Old Jan 11, 2010 | 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by nhill2090
exactly...I only give mine a few seconds in the cold.

Put it this way, Cat doesn't use glow plugs in any of their engines (minus some small stuff in lawn and garden). As a mechanic for Cat, I got to do some work in the "cold room" at a temperature of -45*F. Needless to say that kitty fired right up
that truck would pass the test for ice road trucker's....got to love them CAT"S
 
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Old Jan 11, 2010 | 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Highboosted
Don't they use heater grids like Cummins instead?
The motor in my post machine did and I believe that was a Cat. There was a BIG sticker by the intake that said do not use starting fluid due to grid heater.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2010 | 06:54 PM
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What is more important is to let the engine run for a couple of minutes before taking off to ensure that the oil has become fully circulated through your turbo components (if it's a cold one or hasen't run for several hours or so). The time required for complete circulation when cold is noticeably less for those running 5w40 synthetics because they flow more easily when cold.
 
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