Struggles to start in cold 2013 Freightliner Cascadia

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Eric5220, Jan 21, 2025.

  1. Eric5220

    Eric5220 Light Load Member

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    Mar 23, 2021
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    My truck always gives me a hard time to start when the weathers is 25 or lower . I have to spray it with starter fluid to start it . Today it’s 5 degrees and I’m jumping the truck what can I do to fix this . I see other truckers come in start they truck easily but not my truck dd13 engine let me know any suggestions
     
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Could need batteries, a starter, compression...

    Is it turning over slow? Is it your truck?
     
  4. Eric5220

    Eric5220 Light Load Member

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    Mar 23, 2021
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    I cranks feels like it’s weak and needs a jump but even with new batteries I had this problem every winter . Last two winters I replaced them in October
     
  5. idriveaholden

    idriveaholden Super Heavy Hauler

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    Try it with the block heater plugged in once and see how it does maybe you can narrow it down
     
    wis bang and Opendeckin Thank this.
  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    How long is it sitting ? Overnight or what ?
     
  7. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Get a hair dryer or heat gun. Heat up the intake manifold going into the engine. The hotter the intake air the better the diesel atomizes
     
  8. Kenworth6969

    Kenworth6969 Road Train Member

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    I had an old freightshaker not too long ago, when it was super cold i just left it running.

    If it had to be off I carried this around.
    It saved me many times.

    Screenshot_20250121_192323.jpg
     
    Eric5220 Thanks this.
  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If you need a boost at those temperatures then you've got battery or charging problems. No reason you shouldn't be able to spin that engine over for a couple minutes on 4 good batteries (not steady cranking, 20-30 seconds, cool off for a couple mins and repeat).
     
    Eric5220 Thanks this.
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