I usually only plugged in the block heater the night before I was going to leave. Even at -34 it always starts.
Cold weather starts
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Gunner75, Jan 1, 2018.
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Thing about plugging it up is that won't charge your batteries. It will make it turn over easier though. I might trot out a hour or so prior and see if it cranks and put the charger on then if not. If it's the cold zappin your batteries then they may be down again in am
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That is one of the reasons why my truck has an APU installed...
It's both block heater, and battery charger... -
I feel horrible - it’s been 0-25 since Christmas, aside from 1 day it poked over 35 for a few hours.
Truck in shop, plugged to shore power, space heater running, inverter/charger tending batteries, block heater ready to switch on if, . . . and only IF . . .
I actually ENTERTAIN the idea of working until it’s above 35 degrees.
This isn’t forecast until Friday.spyder7723 and x1Heavy Thank this. -
I saw a truck today that would not start....it had a puddle of oil as the owner tried to crank her. I brought my truck to jump him, after he was stuck under load for 2hrs trying to crank.
As @Nukem said...how much do you care your money maker? I'd say, plug her in, keep her happy when you crank her.Oxbow and blairandgretchen Thank this. -
I leave it in day and night (blockheater).
Surprise this morning. -25c and someome forgot to plug the truck. Quarter turn and started. Fresh oil change and 4 new batteries might have helped.
On a side note, stupid weedburner exhaust!!!!!Attached Files:
x1Heavy Thanks this. -
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My block heater is on a timer. 5 hrs is generally lots. 3 hrs will do it too. Starts up quiet at 5 but bangs a little at 3. Still not as bad as a detroit in the summer though you can get timers that are temp sensitive too. I've never had one though.
tony97905 Thanks this. -
I like these newer engines. Anybody been around 30+ years remembers the "ether injection systems" that was practically required for starts below 25 F
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What do you do? Call and ask for permission or save your hide?
There was another driver with me that called night dispatch. He’d fueled up at the same spot. He’s on the phone with dispatch telling them what was happening to him and waiting for someone who doesn’t know anything to make a decision for him.
At the very least, you’d better carry some Diesel 911. You will hear people tell you that the fuel in their area is treated and that you won’t gell. Both times I’ve almost gelled up, I had fueled up north. And in case you didn’t know, that biodiesel gels a lot faster than regular uls diesel.
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