Lack of power while cold???

[Pitstop]

Newby here with a diesel. Just bought a 06 f250 with 161k. While cold it has very little power and does not want to shift. Once it is warm it runs great after 10 to 15 minutes. Is there a programming aspect that could cure this or is this a FICM issue or is this just normal for a cold 6.0? Thanks

[eberlestock]

I think this is normal.

[gblauf]

i agree sounds normal. these trucks take a liitle bit to warm up. if your running 15w40 oil is takes awhile to get warm and flowing, makes truck feel sluggish. i have heard lighter oil can help. someone will chime in.

[Pitstop]

Ok, thanks. I will put Amsoil 5w40 in it next service. Then revaluate the issue. Thanks guys

[dirtboy25]

What would you expect if everthing isn't warmed up to operating temperatures.?

Don't worry about it being sluggish when it's cold. That is normal for all vehicles.

[Chango]

Our truck has an cold start issue commonly referred to as Stiction. Do a search and read up on it there is a wealth of information here, also check out the oil thread in my signature

[obsidian]

Originally Posted by dirtboy25

What would you expect if everthing isn't warmed up to operating temperatures.?

Don't worry about it being sluggish when it's cold. That is normal for all vehicles.

Not to try and call you our, but you are wrong on your saying of all vehicles.

It is common on diesel trucks and I am not sure on diesel cars, but gasoline vehicles typically NEVER have this problem.

And as stated above, it sounds like you have stiction. A lighter weight of oil or Rev-X should be able to clear that right up. Check the links in my sig or the one above mine.

[Perf Diesel Shop Owner]

Originally Posted by obsidian

Not to try and call you our, but you are wrong on your saying of all vehicles.

It is common on diesel trucks and I am not sure on diesel cars, but gasoline vehicles typically NEVER have this problem.

And as stated above, it sounds like you have stiction. A lighter weight of oil or Rev-X should be able to clear that right up. Check the links in my sig or the one above mine.

I have found this issue to be much more common on the 7.3 and more so on the 6.0 PSD than any other diesel. I believe it is due to the HPO system and the characteristics of its function. It is very susceptible to variations in oil viscosity especially when the oil is aged and thickened with sludge/deposits. I have used the lighter weight 10w40 and Amsoil synthetics in my customers trucks with positive feedback during colder months. The condition decreases only minimally though. Your best bet is to plug the truck in for a few hours to heat the oil before startup on cold days.