Cold start and general questions-New 7.3L owner.

daltrooney · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 07:07 AM

Hey guys, I just bought a 2001 Ford F350 7.3 today, but I have been driving it for a week because I work at the dealership I bought it from. Anyways, I live in Kansas and it is starting to get cold, and is only going to get colder. This morning it was about 15 degrees and it started fine after cycling the glow plugs and I let it idle for about 10 minutes and it did good. My first question is will it start without being plugged in at -10 to -20 degrees? I live in an apartment and won't be able to plug it in most likely..and if not, I saw a Dieselmatic automatic ether system on craigslist today? I've always heard mixed reviews on spraying ether to start a truck though..any thoughts? Also, what is recommended for letting it idle down before shutting it off? I have a very very short drive to work in the morning (about a 1/2 mile). Is it going to hurt anything not particularly warming up between home and work? Any help is appreciated.

THEE RAT · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 07:12 AM

i would fin a way to get her plugged in on a timer. it was about 15 here as well this am and mins started right up. VERY soon i will be plugging in though. -10 she will not like to turn over.

i would not spray Ether to start it, not sure if that would even start it in the cold.

NoRalPh · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daltrooney

I saw a Dieselmatic automatic ether system on craigslist today? I've always heard mixed reviews on spraying ether to start a truck though..any thoughts?

"Mixed Reviews" Where? NOBODY in their Right Mind (or knew their A$$ from a bag of warm hammers

), would tell you to do that on this motor..... You'll eventually destroy it.

daltrooney · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

"Mixed Reviews" Where? NOBODY in their Right Mind (or knew their A$$ from a bag of warm hammers

), would tell you to do that on this motor..... You'll eventually destroy it.

Yeah that's what I assumed, but figured I'd ask.

**Dave** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 07:40 AM

Dont use ether. Do three things. Switch to a 5w40 diesel rated synthetic oil for the winter. Check your batteries make sure they are up to par. If more than 4 years old replace em. Also check your glow plug relay. Theres instructions in the tech files.