--EDIT-- SORRY I posted this in the 24v section, it won't let me delete but I'll move to 12v --EDIT--

Hey guys, as some of you know from a thread in the "Other" section I smashed my extension cord last night by backing over it with the duals (LOL) and therefore couldn't get my block heater plugged in. It was cold last night and it hasn't got above freezing today, and when I went out to start it today, I couldn't get her going even after about 10 tries.

I've never tried starting it below 50* cold without the block heater, and I don't think I've done the same with my 2500 either. I've just always plugged em in.

Anyway, I tried to start it a few minutes ago, and it would just fire, then shut off immediately. I tried the usual 1/4ish throttle and it did the same thing. Then I put my foot on the floor and same. Then I tried it with no throttle. Still no start. I did this about 10 times, probably with 7 out of those 10 on 1/4 throttle.

My question: is this normal, should I have just kept trying? I guess I'll pull out another extension cord tonight .

--EDIT-- SORRY I posted this in the 24v section, it won't let me delete but I'll move to 12v --EDIT--

 

Sounds like your grid heater is not working.

 

Yep, I started mine at 6 degrees F on the first try at work one night. I cycled the grids 3 times and it fired immediately. I tried a few times without using the grids and it just cranked and wouldn't fire at all. Of course, I've got a few mods to mine . . . and I didn't own it before it was modded.

Good luck,
Phill

 

Ok and old trick don't know if this will help, but turn it over a few times stop and count to 20 the pistons on compression are heating the cylinders then try to start. Good luck.

 

I've started mine at 20 degrees without being plugged in overnight. Fired right up as if it were 60 degrees.

 

Just try twice, then go in the house and call in sick. haha. Sounds like the grid not heating up. Don't stay on the starter to long that will cost some money.

 

Mine starts right away (if I just set my foot on the throttle) and if I dont keep it running for about 5 seconds using the throttle, then it will die, but after that she'll run on her own.

My 93, would start up right away no problems at all, but thats a whole different injection pump.

So I'm not sure if this is a common thing or not.

 

I started mine at about 10* one morning not too long ago. Let the grids cycle once, gave it a little pedal, and she fired right off. Usually I have to hold it a few seconds with the pedal, but my governor springs are a little tight right now which is part of the problem.

Eric

 

Mine usually fires right up with one cylce and a little bit of pedal for about 3-4 seconds. Past two mornings it won't fure at all. Yesterday the added juice from some jumper cables helped. Today, I'm trying to plug it in for once and see how well it works.

We'll see.

Shawn

 

Yeah I got mine fired up once last night, but when I tried again nothing. Fun, eh?

 

Ive started mine in 25 below without plugging it in and when the grid heaters were broken.It took a few times but she went.Once it sputters a few times hold it to the floor.Good batteries help

 

Do they change over to winter fuel in NC? Do you suppose the fuel is just gelling a little bit? Check grid heaters and if they are not heating you can try a trick that my dad used to do in the winter time to start the old International pick up. He would boil a teakettle of water on the wood stove, then go out and pour it on the intake manifold [it was a 6cyl.] Then run around, jump in and it would start every time as long as it would turn over. The origional grid heaters.....

 

Well, I can smell fuel everytime I shut the truck off now. I'm thinking that I have a leak somewhere and the system isn't staying pressurized. Sucks trying to hunt something like that down when its 20* and snowing

 

Thats the exact thing that I have going on. Looks like we've got the same issue. I posted this problem in the HELP section also, so be sure to read that. Have you tried changing out you're filters and cleaning out the strainer? Thats what some guys on here suggested as the first thing I do. But I do smell fuel after a few tries... does that mean anything?

 

Fuel filter and strainer were cleaned about 2k miles ago. I really just gotta get under it and start poking around to see if there are leaks anywhere. I have a spare gas cap, so I could always pressurize the fuel tank.