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engine temps.

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Old 08-23-2004 | 11:22 PM
  #1  
something87's Avatar
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From: wrentham, ma
engine temps.

i fairly new to diesel and just had a question about engine temps....i know diesel engines don't like starting in cold temps and you are suspose to use and engine blanket to keep it warm, which involves plugging it into a house outlet, right?? im wondering if you don't have access to a house outlet, how hard is it to start the engine, and will it do any damage to the engine............also how important is it to let the turbo cool down after having the engine running? thanks for your help...i figure we all have to start somewhere
Old 08-24-2004 | 01:05 AM
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From: Montana
You don't need a blanket, your engine came stock with a block heater, you'll find the cord on the pass side below the oil filter. The block heater isn't really required to get the truck running till the temp gets below zero but it will like you better if you plug in below around 40°. When not plugged in you may have to run the grid heaters (wait to start light) though two or more cycles without trying to start in order to get it fired up. To do this wait for the light to go out, turn the key off then on again. You will need good batteries and will most likely leave a smoke cloud you can't see though while the engine runs roughly for awhile. If you are not plugging in suggest you use 10w-30 or synthetic oil for the winter.

One thing folks new to diesels don't realize is they won't warm up just idling and that extended cold idling can damage the engine. Wait till the oil pressure comes up and drive or run the rpms up instead of idling. A stick wedged in-between the seat and throttle pedal works for me.

Many people get way too **** on the turbo cooldown. Cummins says just turn it off with no cooldown unless you have been pulling a load or big hill at highway speeds. You be the judge on how long to idle, 3 to 5 minutes should be enough in most situations. Best way is to install an engine pyrometer and wait for the temp to go below 350 before shutting down.
Old 08-25-2004 | 08:13 AM
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From: tennessee
my 90 ctd has started with out help at 17 degrees. did this twice on a bet won both times.
Old 08-25-2004 | 04:54 PM
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From: New Holland, PA
Same here. My grid system has a melted relay and I can't plug in at work. Started right up every afternoon last winter, just a little white smoke for the first minute or so.
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