Rough start until engine warms up
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Utah
Rough start until engine warms up
I have a new to me 95 PSD with 260K on it. When I test drove it, it was already warm so didn't notice anything until I got it home and drove it the next day. It was tough to start and runs really rough at first (like shake the truck rought) until it warms up then it's fine. I thought maybe it was low on oil and causing issues with the injectors and when I checked it, it was in fact two quarts low. I added two quarts I had on hand (5W-30) but that didn't seem to help. I haven't had it out and warm since I added the oil so maybe that will clear it up but just curious as to what else I should look at.
Also, what oil should I run in this truck? I used the two quarts of 5W-30 because that's what I had on hand and I don't know what's in there but I plan to change it pretty quick. I am in Utah so cold weather will be an issue in the winter but I'm fine with changing seasonally too.
Thanks.
Also, what oil should I run in this truck? I used the two quarts of 5W-30 because that's what I had on hand and I don't know what's in there but I plan to change it pretty quick. I am in Utah so cold weather will be an issue in the winter but I'm fine with changing seasonally too.
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
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Well, I am by far no expert, and more knowledgeable people will come on. BUT I would suspect something with the glow plugs. I can maybe help you with oil, I had the same question a few days ago.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9086429
I am not good at links, but try to copy and paste. might answer a few questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9086429
I am not good at links, but try to copy and paste. might answer a few questions.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Dongola, IL
How long do you have to run the truck before it smooths out?
You should run 15w40 oil any temp over 30 degrees and it will be ok down to 0 degrees. Anything colder than that use 10w30.
I'm sure someone else will share their opinion on this also.
You should run 15w40 oil any temp over 30 degrees and it will be ok down to 0 degrees. Anything colder than that use 10w30.
I'm sure someone else will share their opinion on this also.
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Junior User
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From: Utah
Originally Posted by plgebbia
Also, what is the outside air temp when you cold start it?
Also, the truck has a shift kit and when it is cold /running rough like that it shifts HARD from 1st to 2nd. After it warmed up, that seemed to smooth out too. Still a deliberate shift as you'd expect, but not one that requires a visit to the chiropractor.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Utah
Well, I am by far no expert, and more knowledgeable people will come on. BUT I would suspect something with the glow plugs. I can maybe help you with oil, I had the same question a few days ago.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9086429
I am not good at links, but try to copy and paste. might answer a few questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9086429
I am not good at links, but try to copy and paste. might answer a few questions.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Dongola, IL
With 85-90 degree temps your truck does not need the glow plugs to start well. I would guess that you have a worn/sticking injector(s) and when you get it up to operating temp it functions correctly.
I am not an expert either, just my guess,
One more question, How quickly does it start when the motor is at or near operating temperature?
Motorcraft is an excellent choice
I am not an expert either, just my guess,
One more question, How quickly does it start when the motor is at or near operating temperature?
Motorcraft is an excellent choice
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Utah
With 85-90 degree temps your truck does not need the glow plugs to start well. I would guess that you have a worn/sticking injector(s) and when you get it up to operating temp it functions correctly.
I am not an expert either, just my guess,
One more question, How quickly does it start when the motor is at or near operating temperature?
Motorcraft is an excellent choice
I am not an expert either, just my guess,
One more question, How quickly does it start when the motor is at or near operating temperature?
Motorcraft is an excellent choice
On the oil, from what I have read, it sounds like I'd be okay here year round at 15W-40? It gets cold here, but not subzero.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Dongola, IL
I'm not an expert on troubleshooting that kind of problem, I'll see if I can dig up any info, and hopefully someone more knowledgable than me will say something soon.
BTW, I have started my truck in subzero weather with 15w40 oil, it is ok every now and then, just not all the time. Anything above zero you should be fine.
BTW, I have started my truck in subzero weather with 15w40 oil, it is ok every now and then, just not all the time. Anything above zero you should be fine.
Last edited by plgebbia; Jul 13, 2010 at 02:37 PM. Reason: typo correction
Thread Starter
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Junior User
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From: Utah
Excellent point. I plan on doing it Saturday.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Dongola, IL
That is a great point! sorry I missed it.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Utah
You guys rock.
It's amazing what 15 quarts of brand new MotorCraft 15W-40 and accompanying filter will do. Granted it wasn't totally cold because I ran it for about 5 minutes before changing it to warm up the old oil ... but afterwards it started right up with a great sounding idle.
How's this for a theory from a total newb. There is an injector that is maybe starting to stick a bit. Dirty cold oil = sticking. Clean cold oil and it's fine. And either way once it heats up it's fine.
EDIT: Also, it's pretty nice to be able to do an oil change without so much as a jack stand or ramp. And still be able to get around under there with no issues. The truck is not lifted but it has 285's on it.
It's amazing what 15 quarts of brand new MotorCraft 15W-40 and accompanying filter will do. Granted it wasn't totally cold because I ran it for about 5 minutes before changing it to warm up the old oil ... but afterwards it started right up with a great sounding idle.
How's this for a theory from a total newb. There is an injector that is maybe starting to stick a bit. Dirty cold oil = sticking. Clean cold oil and it's fine. And either way once it heats up it's fine.
EDIT: Also, it's pretty nice to be able to do an oil change without so much as a jack stand or ramp. And still be able to get around under there with no issues. The truck is not lifted but it has 285's on it.