I went with cash in hand to buy a 98 12 valve and when it was started cold 50 degrees it started right up, slight white smoke, died immediatly, fired right up on the second crank, no smoke, and the salesman held the idle up for a bit. It warm idled at 800 or so rpm. I was wondering if and how the timing is advanced on cold start? And a big deal to fix? Thanks, Artie

 

This is a popular subject when it starts to get cold. Diesels in general are not cold blooded. Although, with todays technology they have become less finiky with cold weather.

Your timing is is pre-set and does not move on it's own when you hit the key (at least not a 12V) Although they are known now and again to "slip". If your injection pump timing is still at the factory settings or if someone has advanced it takes some looking into.

start here and go in this order.

1. are your batteries weak?

2. is your fuel shut-off solenoid out of adjustment?

3. are your grid heaters working?

4. are you getting air in the fuel system?
overflow valve
fuel lines cracked/dry rot
fuel module draw tubes rotted/corroded
lift pump weak/ bad check valves
fuel heater electrical plugs leaking air

5. check your timing.



Good luck!

 

My 2-cent addition to Timmy22:

6. Set your idle to 750 with the engine warm and AC on. Twelve valve engines with too-low idle often have a starting and cold idle problem.