-2* and truck started great

[FordCowboy]

I woke up this morning and the overhead console said -2*, but I think it was a bit colder. Didn't plug it in because the block heater doesn't work, cord probably shorted. Turned the key on until the GPR shut off, cranked it and it fired right up. Throttle surged a bit and went kind of low, so it died, but I think I have a couple bad injectors so I think that was the problem. So the second time I didn't wait for the GPR to turn off so that they were still warming up while I cranked and fuel was being injected. Gave it a little throttle to make up for the injector issue, and it fired right up and stayed running. I was very happy and impressed.

I am almost 100% certain that it has to do with a change in tuning. On my old tune, I would have trouble getting it started at 20*-30*, and I think it has something to do with amount of fuel delivered on startup. So I'm wondering if this is something that can be altered when getting custom tunes? Maybe most tuners don't take into account issues with starting when it gets really cold, and it could be something that could be discussed with them to get the truck to start better when cold?

[troid123]

I think you are absolutely right. When getting your tunes from whichever custom tuner of your choice, I would mention that.

[NotStock]

Its definitely something that can be adjusted via the ECM. If you look at the various ECM's for out trucks, there are a few that state for cold weather. Dunno if the tuners are able to adjust this with their software but with everything they can adjust, I would be suprised if they couldnt.

[NCHornet]

A properly working GP system should start a PSD down to 20 below unassisted by a block heater. Have you checked your GP system? I doubt your GPR is out as I don't think it would start at all in those temps but my bet is you have some bad GP's. Follow the tech write up in the maintenance section of the forum.

NCH

[losfinch]

I don't have one but I've heard it said by DP-Tuners that you should avoid starting your truck in anything but a stock setting with their tuners with a cold motor. Might be good advice for any on-the-fly adjustable tuner. I don't know if the OP's tuner is like that.

[FordCowboy]

I don't have one but I've heard it said by DP-Tuners that you should avoid starting your truck in anything but a stock setting with their tuners with a cold motor. Might be good advice for any on-the-fly adjustable tuner. I don't know if the OP's tuner is like that.

Mines not switch on the fly, but I know I wouldn't have gotten it started on stock. I understand why you might not want to start it on a higher setting, could be harder on stuff.

[zimstroke22]

-10 and no go

Stancor GP last winter

New glowplugs in November

I just plugged it in, I would guess it will take a couple of hours to warm up

[scheidt27]

Ive read 4 hours is what it takes for the block heater to warm everything up.

[NCHornet]

Nope only 3 hours!!! Unless you are where it gets to -20- then you better just leave it plugged in all night. But from -15 above you ought to be fine with 3 hours.

[NCHornet]

Originally Posted by zimstroke22

-10 and no go

Stancor GP last winter

New glowplugs in November

I just plugged it in, I would guess it will take a couple of hours to warm up

You need to properly troubleshoot your GP system. There is a write up in the maintenance section.
Are you sure your batteries are up to par? It takes a stron set of batteries to kick a PSD over at those temps. Check voltage while cranking, should stay 11.5+.

NCH