New powerstroke owner

[danwustrack]

Hello all, im dan from wi. Im a new powerstroke owner. Ive been around diesels but never owned one yet. I just bought a 2003 f350 crew cab xlt with a lift and 5 inch turbo back with a giant tip. Ive noticed its cold blooded already lol. Any must knows or must haves for this 7.3L beast. Thanks

[NoRalPh]

The bottom 2 "Stickies" above you will give you good insight on Winter Starting, what to expect, and how to check the system.

But, Basically, yes cold starting requires everything to be right (batteries, connections, Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Relay) and you should be using the built-in Block Heater when you can in the cold.

Also, the truck specifies 15W oil (15W-40) and this only adds to the load. If you run a 5W synthetic (5W-40) you'll see and improvement in cold starting...

[danwustrack]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

The bottom 2 "Stickies" above you will give you good insight on Winter Starting, what to expect, and how to check the system.

But, Basically, yes cold starting requires everything to be right (batteries, connections, Glow Plugs, Glow Plug Relay) and you should be using the built-in Block Heater when you can in the cold.

Also, the truck specifies 15W oil (15W-40) and this only adds to the load. If you run a 5W synthetic (5W-40) you'll see and improvement in cold starting...

Thanks for the quick reply. I realized yesturday ill deffinatly be plugging it in overnight and maybe even the 8 hrs im at work. Im also looking into amsoil at next oil change...also looking into 2 new batteries before it gets too cold out.

[NoRalPh]

The Block Heater does all it's gonna do in 3hrs, I'd get a plug-in timer so it comes on in the middle of the night, 3hrs before you start up. As for at work, it really shouldn't need to be plugged in 8hrs after it's gotten hot if everything else is right (unless you're in really cold, -0F kinda stuff).

Both GPR & GP issues are common, maybe check them over before Winter really sets-in

[danwustrack]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

The Block Heater does all it's gonna do in 3hrs, I'd get a plug-in timer so it comes on in the middle of the night, 3hrs before you start up. As for at work, it really shouldn't need to be plugged in 8hrs after it's gotten hot if everything else is right (unless you're in really cold, -0F kinda stuff).

Both GPR & GP issues are common, maybe check them over before Winter really sets-in

Thank you very much

[09pstrokeUSMC]

i live in ohio, and ive seen some chilling nights, and my truck hates it! i didnt plug mine in and it wouldnt start for the life of me. so i learned my lesson. i dont want to insult ur intelligents, u might know this BUT a trick that i have learned is to cycle the plugs. turn key and wait for the "wait to start" light to go off. crank it for a second or three. turn key back off if it dont start and repeat process , ive had good luck doing this. DO NOT JUST KEEP CRANKING IT OVER. lol hope this helps. and good luck.

[09pstrokeUSMC]

scratch everything i just said.....lol go here

Winter Operation, Hard Starting, Hissing Sound Etc...