Winter Question

[bcoutsfly]

Sorry sorry, I know this may be a worn out newbie question so don't shoot please.

It's getting cold again here in Illinois and it seems my cold starts are getting worse when it comes to the white/blueish smoke. Started her this morning and it smoked for at least 5 - 10 minutes. Is this normal? Maybe a bad injector or o rings? My truck is just not used to these temps, it wants to go back to Texas

Also, should I swap to 5w40 for the winter?

Thanks ya'll.

[Rob]

You could switch to the new oil for easier starts. it isnt a thick as the 15W-40. Cold starts are tough on a diesel. have you tried plugging it in at night to see if that helps? I know my truck will smoke until it gets warm. We have been in the teens and low 20's here, mine will start but it is rough for a minute or two then smooths out. it will smoke for a few too but it goes away. Does your truck smoke all the time or does it go away?

[bcoutsfly]

I was under the impression that it's not necessary to plug it in unless we're in extreme temps? We're in the 20's at night so should I start plugging her in? It goes away after it warms up and runs great.

[capcalvin]

If you have the block heater plug, plug it in at night. If it didnt come with the plug i think you still have the heater you just have to purchase and install the plug from the dealer. I live in northwest indiana and mine does the same thing when its cold. I think its normal for the temps to effect our trucks this way. Also use winter additive in your fuel and I use full synthetic 5w40 year round. Doesnt sound to me like injector issues unless it smokes and misses all the time.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by bcoutsfly

I was under the impression that it's not necessary to plug it in unless we're in extreme temps? We're in the 20's at night so should I start plugging her in? It goes away after it warms up and runs great.

you should plug it in at night now. it helps with the starts.. it will keep your oil warmer and make starts easier.. it wont be hot, it is just to ease the starting process.

[bcoutsfly]

I've got a block heater, I'll plug it in tonight and see if it helps. I added the Red 911 to it last night to prevent gelling. What brand oil do you use Capcalvin?

[Goose350]

You need to check out your Glow plug relay and system. Its very common for those to fail on a 7.3l. I would start there first, injector(s) after that

[bcoutsfly]

Originally Posted by Rob

you should plug it in at night now. it helps with the starts.. it will keep your oil warmer and make starts easier.. it wont be hot, it is just to ease the starting process.

Thanks for your help Rob, I'll try it out. Should I set it on a timer? I heard it runs up the electric bill pretty good. Don't want to piss the old man off.

[bcoutsfly]

Originally Posted by Goose350

You need to check out your Glow plug relay and system. Its very common for those to fail on a 7.3l. I would start there first, injector(s) after that

I had all of my glow plugs replaced in July, I think I'm good there rite? I wouldn't know how to go about checking the relay?

[capcalvin]

Originally Posted by bcoutsfly

I've got a block heater, I'll plug it in tonight and see if it helps. I added the Red 911 to it last night to prevent gelling. What brand oil do you use Capcalvin?

I don't have a favorite, but I switch between rotella full syn or mobile one. which ever is cheaper at wal mart. tried amsoil once, think its way overpriced.