Diesels are harder to start in colder weather, and even moreso without a block heater. The compression developed in the cylinder creates the necessary heat to ignite diesel fuel. In cold weather, the piston and the cylinder are cold. They are surrounded by cold coolant. The lube oil is cold which creates drag and slows cranking speed. When cranking the engine and the piston reaches up toward top-dead-center, cold fuel is then sprayed into the cylinder. All of these factor stack up against good startability. If these factors are combined with fuel of questionable combustibility, engine wear, ineffective starting aids, an inefficient starter or batteries, then cold weather starting could be troublesome.
Last edited by RedneckGirl : 11-12-2007 at 10:27 AM.
Reason: I need typing lessons.