belfert

I don't know what part of Minnesota you are in, but the Twin Cities doesn't get all that cold. We might get a week or two of below zero temps and a few weeks of single digit temps.

I ran 15W-40 in my truck all last winter and had no starting problems. Of course, it helps that my truck sat for at least a month last winter and I drove my TDI Golf instead. I did change to 5W-40 synthetic recently since I won't need to change oil again until next spring.

I did manage to start my former F-350 once after sitting out at 15 below overnight with no block heater. I had to cycle the glow plugs four times to get it to start.

Brian Elfert

pmtg

i was in Bozeman, Montana for the past winter...my first winter with a diesel. i purchased a couple of extension cords and plugged in when i remembered or when i could. the one night i forgot to plug in, the temps went down to 35 below zero! whoops. i cycled the heaters 3 times, gave it a little go pedal, and it started but a little rough the first 15 seconds. i'm sure the oil and diesel were a little thick to say the least.

plug in when you can. you SHOULD be alright if you cant.

the only thing that bothered me when it was really cold was a humm/vibration coming through the steering wheel. i believe i remember reading about the power steering pump or maybe the vacuum pump(?) ???

oh, and the truck is really loud... RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE at start up in the cold. had a guy who plugged his ears every morning when i drove by, pretty funny stuff. love this truck,

Pat

[edit]- i ran 5w-30 synthetic for winter. the starter never sounded like it worked too hard and oil pressure was always good.

StrokeThisCTD

we have a 2002 Cummins, and a 2003 HO Cummins. The 2002 needs to be plugged in when the weather is 20 degrees. The 2003 had 2 feet of snow on top of it last year, -20 degree weather. Didnt get plugged in ONCE that winter. started up every morning.

neveragain

Just to add my two cents worth I have been using delvac 5w-40 for years and it has worked very well in the cold and the heat love it .

Rganser

WOW, I cant believe all the people here from Minnesota, we need to have a regional meeting! I like the suggestions guys, keep them coming.
Ryan

MnTom

Ryan, check the National/Regional Chapters Forum. We have a Chapter here in Minnesota!! There is even a get together on Dec. 4 Not to terrible far from you!!
Tom