Cold Weather Starting Tips

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by IROCUBabe, Feb 27, 2011.

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  1. Feb 27, 2011 #1
    IROCUBabe

    IROCUBabe Road Train Member

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    My truck has started to be a real PITA about starting. The temp is currently 20 degrees, and it hasn't really gotten that much colder. I turned it off and parked it yesterday at around noon, I went out about an hour ago to crank her up for a bit and it refused to start.

    The thing is the battery is fine, as far as the gauge, lights, and so on are concerned its fine. It did this last week and it wasn't the battery then either. (Tow start to get it on). It is not the starter, it does turn when you turn the key, it just turns really slow.

    We cannot plug it in, there really is not any truck stops up here where we are so we are in a hotel every weekend. I have a feeling there is some trick that we are not aware of because typically we do not do alot of 'stopping' as a team. But we need to learn quick as we are on a dedicated run that will have us stopped every weekend.

    So... what are we dumb cowboys and girls doing wrong here? Do enlighten me! PS: Fuel is not gelled it IS treated.
     
    IROCUBabe, Feb 27, 2011
    IROCUBabe, Feb 27, 2011
    #1
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  3. Feb 27, 2011 #2
    SL3406

    SL3406 Medium Load Member

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    You either have one bad battery pulling the others down or the starter is dragging. Just because it still turns doesn't mean the starter isn't bad. Another possibility is bad battery cables.
     
    SL3406, Feb 27, 2011
    SL3406, Feb 27, 2011
    #2
  4. Feb 27, 2011 #3
    northstarfire0693

    northstarfire0693 Heavy Load Member

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    What year is your truck ? at 20 you should not have any trouble getting it to start. The problem can range from your fuel delivery system lack of compression in the cylinders. I would look at the fuel system first... Is it loseing prime ? Sometimes a bad fuel filter will let air in the system when the engine is off.
     
    northstarfire0693, Feb 27, 2011
    northstarfire0693, Feb 27, 2011
    #3
  5. Feb 27, 2011 #4
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    who y'all driving with these days?? i had been AWOL for over a year so i am behind LOL last i remember you USED to be at Werner
     
    panhandlepat, Feb 27, 2011
    panhandlepat, Feb 27, 2011
    #4
  7. Feb 27, 2011 #5
    Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Just had the same problem with a pickup (I know, different from a semi, but hear me out).

    The battery cable was the problem. It had a hairline crack in the wires near the battery terminal. I found it by wiggling the positive cable at battery while someone else turned the key. During the cold, the extra resistance was just enough to make the engine slow to crank. I retipped the terminal connector, charged the batteries and no more problems.

    Hope that helps.
     
    Palazon, Feb 27, 2011
    Palazon, Feb 27, 2011
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    panhandlepat Thanks this.
  8. Feb 27, 2011 #6
    rocknroll nik

    rocknroll nik High Risk Load Member

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    They are at Gainey now Pat.......I was gonna suggest something about cold cranking amps...but it looks like some folks with more know how than me are already here:biggrin_25514:
     
    rocknroll nik, Feb 27, 2011
    rocknroll nik, Feb 27, 2011
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    panhandlepat Thanks this.
  9. Feb 27, 2011 #7
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    wouldn't that be First Fleet or Super Service? i thought one of them bought out Gainey
     
    panhandlepat, Feb 27, 2011
    panhandlepat, Feb 27, 2011
    #7
  10. Feb 27, 2011 #8
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I had a similar problem. The batteries were about a 1 yr old. Then it starting cranking over like the batteries were weak. I tried jump starting it and it didnt work. After a couple tries it would start. I went to the place were I purchase the batteries and had then check. They were fine. They told me it was the starter, I didnt beleive them at first but after talking to a few mechanics , I decided to replace it. Came out to be, IT WAS THE STARTER dragging.
     
    Diesel Dave, Feb 27, 2011
    Diesel Dave, Feb 27, 2011
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    Palazon Thanks this.
  11. Feb 27, 2011 #9
    rocknroll nik

    rocknroll nik High Risk Load Member

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    Super Service
     
    rocknroll nik, Feb 27, 2011
    rocknroll nik, Feb 27, 2011
    #9
  12. Feb 27, 2011 #10
    Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Good point on the starter. My thoughts are test the batts for CCA, check the positive cable for excess resistance (ohm meter), then the starter.

    No, I'm not a real mechanic. I'm just a shade-tree (Anyone remember that phrase?). I've been fixing my own cars (and neighbors, families, etc) since I was 14.
     
    Palazon, Feb 27, 2011
    Palazon, Feb 27, 2011
    #10
    rocknroll nik and panhandlepat Thank this.
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