Low Temperature Weather Issues

[TXStateAlum]

I just moved from Florida to Illinois and I need advice on what changes I need to make to my truck. It is -3 here and my truck will barely start. I have an engine block heater but I have never used one since I'm from South Texas. I know I need to change fluids. Any advice is appreciated I don't want to ruin my truck up here!

[PolarBear]

Ya that's about what we had on my side of the river today too. A good 5w-40 engine oil will help compared to a 15w-40 right now. And the block heater does wonders. I know Ford says you don't need it until like -10 or so but when its below 20 I plug mine in. It helps starts and reduces the warm up. Not much else to on a new truck, I'm sure your glow plugs and all that is fine. The cold is hell on batteries too though.

[Smoke2008]

I would plug the block heater in on real cold nights....inless you have the truck in a enclosed area, I would suggest 5W-40 syn oil....look at the owners manuel

[Nthorseman]

I'm up in norhern Canada and it's been -30 celsius for about 2 weeks now. I plug in at around -20 ( just a bit colder than 0 farenheit). Above that, I'll cylcle the glow plugs twice. When it gets to -45 or colder I'll cycle twice before I start up just to make it easier.

[Tarheel_6.4L]

I am located in North Chicago and my truck sits for 3-4 days at a time without being started. When I start it after sitting for a couple days, I cycle the glow plugs two or three times and it fires right up. The cold weather has cost me a battery but other than that, I have no issues and I never plug my truck in. What part of IL are you in?

[mor4wd]

If you're worried about your batteries, get a warming pad for them. -10*F puts 60% more stress on the batteries on startup. It'll eat em up quick.

[dlenkewich]

Lol. Truck will barely start? Give me a break man.

If that's the case, wait 15 seconds. My 6.4L will start no problem unplugged at -30oC. Your 6.7L shouldn't be any different.

[S&W 460 XVR]

switch to no. 1 diesel

[mor4wd]

I agree with dlenkewich. My 6.4 started perfectly after sitting in -28*F with a -41*F windchill all night without being plugged in.

And definitely don't do what S&W 460 XVR is saying to do.

[matty21]

its been -25-30 C here and no problems ,i just press the start button and 3 seconds later she fires right up then immediately kicks into high idle. never even sounds like its trying hard

and BTW windchill does not affect your engine only the main temp