COLD Weather (only) Start Problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, Taxifornia
COLD Weather (only) Start Problem
Ok, I seached and read dozens of posts about cold starts but none matched my situation.
Here it is: 2005 PSD FX4 CC Lariat Auto (Build date Nov 04) 43,000 miles (No mods)
When the outside temp dips below about 40 Deg or lower, when I start the truck it misses, runs very rough and makes a gawd awful banging sounds. No smoke. This continues but the symptoms decrease as the engine starts to warm up. This lasts for about 4 minutes and by then the engine is running smooth. After full warm up it runs great and continues to run fine for the rest of the day.
All other times when the outside temps are higher, it starts and runs fine. I live in So Cal so I only notice this problem when I travel to places with colder climates.
It should be noted that when it has this problem, it still starts right up without hesitiation but it just runs VERY rough for the first few minutes and makes very loud hammering sounds.
Anybody know what the heck might be causing this?
Here it is: 2005 PSD FX4 CC Lariat Auto (Build date Nov 04) 43,000 miles (No mods)
When the outside temp dips below about 40 Deg or lower, when I start the truck it misses, runs very rough and makes a gawd awful banging sounds. No smoke. This continues but the symptoms decrease as the engine starts to warm up. This lasts for about 4 minutes and by then the engine is running smooth. After full warm up it runs great and continues to run fine for the rest of the day.
All other times when the outside temps are higher, it starts and runs fine. I live in So Cal so I only notice this problem when I travel to places with colder climates.
It should be noted that when it has this problem, it still starts right up without hesitiation but it just runs VERY rough for the first few minutes and makes very loud hammering sounds.
Anybody know what the heck might be causing this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,123
Likes: 35
From: N. Fort Worth, tx
glowplugs are there to preheat the cyclinder. failed glowplugs will cause fuel knocking ( your banging sound) check ficm voltage lots of threads... the search function is your friend.
the other issue is sticiton of the injector spool valves.
the other issue is sticiton of the injector spool valves.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, Taxifornia
Last time it was in for warranty work at the dealer about 2 years ago. Do I just take it back to the dealer for a re-flash or is there other options?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, Taxifornia
I thought the glow plug just provided a small hot point in the cyclinder aid in early combustion when cold. Does it pre heat the entire cyclinder?
Is this cold start issue a common glow plug caused problem? Do they go bad often?
Is this cold start issue a common glow plug caused problem? Do they go bad often?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Does it appear that posts 4 and 7 are being ignored?? Start with the basics and then theorize the more complicated possibilities. Not criticizing but keep it simple or if you have done them, then reply with your results. I feel like I'm talking to my wife sometimes. 
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, Taxifornia
Sorry 69cj, I was not trying to ingore you. I researched the FICM and will troubleshoot that issue first.
As far as the oil viscosity thing, I'm using Rotella 15w-40 now but I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how this could cause this particular problem. Maybe something to do with the injectors (oil pressure operated)?
As far as the oil viscosity thing, I'm using Rotella 15w-40 now but I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how this could cause this particular problem. Maybe something to do with the injectors (oil pressure operated)?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,649
There is a small spool valve in the top of the injector that controls the flow of high oil pressure fed to the intensifier piston in the fuel injector. That spool valve only moves .017", back and forth, on and off every time the injector fires. Many factors play in to how well that valve works such as, oil temp, oil quality, normal wear, ambient temp, and many others. As this valve ages it polishes itself inside the bore of the spool valve and as the spool valve slams back and forth it can set up the condition like a suction cup, hanging the valve to one side or the other. This uncommanded uncontrollable condition is called stiction. Mostly its a rough run cold condition but in severe cases it can be a no start or pretty harsh misfire condition. Oil that stays inside the valve on a hot engine shutdown and is allowed to cool slowly in the injector can aggravate the condition on restart.