Starting truck in -20 Celcius

Good batteries you can crank 25 seconds no problem. Give the starter a 2 or 3 minute cool off. Wouldn't go more than 2 or 3 attempts.

 

That’s why, the Lucas is thick. Two gallons you’d be much worse. If you can’t plug it in. I’ve used my 1400w generator to plug in block heater. But it’s not needed. You need cranking power. It should still start. Hook up cables, wait 20 minutes at least, 30 is better. If it doesn’t crank enough after 20, you’ll have to try 30 anyways. Best to hammer another Semi, or 2 cars/pu Trucks. If only 1 vehicle available, 2 sets of cables helps also. Hook both to car, then Truck. Good Luck, it’ll start. I had the same problem. New batteries for me. Cranked it up at 10, 0 windchill. Won’t hurt it just a dry start, like after an oil change. IMO. I’m sure it’s just awful, like using ether is. I used 2 cans also, since I had lost prime or gelled or both. It’s running excellent. Must be the ether, Lol. Cleans all the spot off the pistons. Lol

 

I always have this vision of the bearings tearing down on a cold start like that. I guess I need to equip myself with a block heater at least.
The Tripacs with install at Thermo King are quoted for $13 700 - something to think about.

 

A webasto heater is cheaper and does the same thing for cold starts, also lighter and quieter, and if the cab is properly inulated more than good enough for anything your not going to shut the truck off for

 

You mean Webasto heater would do the task of the block heater? I don't know...I have a webasto heater and once it drained the batteries while the temperature outside dropped overnight from the mid-30s to 15F and I could not start it. It was a TA so they gave me a jump but don't use Webasto at below 30s.

 

Block heaters cheap, 2 bolts

 

A torpedo heater, even a wood or charcoal small fire under the pan. A couple propane torches, If it’s metal

 

windchill can not affect anything ever. it is a made up stat to configure how temp and wind feels on a persons skin

 

Oil still flows when cranking.

 

Thats why I have agm's and 2 of em are deep cycle I can run my heater for a weekend and it starts easy afterwards, I am coming up with a solar setup so I can park indefinitely, and keep the heater running and charge the batteries. If I can swing it I might put a bank of lithium batteries in the sleeper and install a 12 volt air conditioner also and run that for 2 days, it helps that I have my sleeper apart right now and the interior is out and I am redoing the insulation in and rewiring everything