wood_n_soldier

This morning is the first time ever that my truck (a 2001 4x4 auto) has been started when the tempature was in the single digits. It turned over fine but was extremely noisey and made extra sounds of protest turning and slowing down until it was nice a warm and then it when back to then normal noises. Should I be concerned, or is this normal? I have 85,000 miles on the engine, and keep it well maintaned. Also what are the recommended starting procedures when it's that cold.

CCollar

I'll venture to say that the sounds you are hearing are normal cold weather sounds.

If you think the truck sounds bad in the single digits, you should hear and drive one at -40F (the temp yesterday here in Fairbanks, AK)! Not only does the engine rattle and moan, but the brakes and steering become ultra-stiff, and the truck feels like its pulling a 20K lb. trailer, as the diff. lube is thickened. And this is with all-syntehtic lubes!

My advice, for what its worth: let the truck warm up for some time (5 minutes or more) before you drive it. Plug in the block heater, cycle the intake air heaters twice, make sure you have strong batteries, use quality diesel and add an anti-gel agent, and have fun driving the rig! Diesels have their issues in cold weather, but I wouldn't drive anything else.

Craig

Ruralmedic

What brand and grade of motor oil are you using? I know some people will not use a 15W-40 petroleum oil when the ambient temp is less than 32F, as they believe it's too thick to properly lube the engine on cold start-up. But some oils, like DELO 400 15W-40 have a pour point of -38F, which should flow decent if temps are in the single digits above zero.

How was the steering? My power steering used to groan and howl when it was cold out, until I switched to synthetic P/S fluid.

The only other thing to try, is plugging the block heater in for a few hours prior to starting.

AaronT

This is what I got from Cummins on Viscosity recommendations
Recommended SAE Oil Viscosity Grades vs. Ambient Temperatures

Oil Viscosity Season Ambient
Ratings Temperature Range (deg F)

5w-40 or 15w-40 All seasons Temps above +5 deg F
10w-30 and CI-4 -5 deg F to +115 deg F
10w-30 Winter Conditions -5 deg F to + 70 deg F
5w-30 " " -15 deg F to +70 deg F
0w-30 Arctic Conditions Temps below 32 deg F

ammo5797

Yes, the cold morning protests are normal. My P/S pump squalls for a while until it warms - a little stiff steering to! I haven't even used my block heater yet, haven't needed it. It's been sub-zero, but the cold weather programs allow it to warm up very easy. You can search past post's for the cold weather computer programs info if you're going to be in the cold for a while. The hi-idle and 3 cyl. fast warmup are sooo nice on these cold days. I generally start mine and let it warm up while I get ready in the morning (15-20 min) and it's usually at a relatively comfortable temp or close by the time I leave. Good Luck!

Commatoze

The injection pump gets really "buzzy" around zero, I can't imagine -40[sup]o[/sup]

wood_n_soldier

I thought you were not supposed to let your truck idle for that long ?? I've done it but can claim ignorance before reading this web site yesterday. What the real official story? My manual only states to not idle to long how long is that?

ammo5797

I know a lot of people say that the idling is bad for the truck, even the Dodge manual, but that's just what I do. I'm generally in and out of my truck when I'm running around. Drive for 45 min, stop for 15-20 min. and off I go again. It's much easier than starting and stopping, especially when it's cold and I'm trying to keep the truck warm. If it reduces the life of my motor than so be it. I've been in remote areas hunting and traveling where I stayedlived in the truck in sub-zero weather and it idled for 5-6 hours straight. I change my oil regularly and keep my drivetrain in top condition and will see in the future how my habits affect the life/performance of the CTD. I am in the A.F. and most of our trucks/tractors have Cummins motors. They are driven very few miles each year but log tens of thousands of hours running in their life span. A lot are started in the morning and idle all day long without moving, I'm not saying it's good for them, but that's how they do it here. I have yet to see the motor in one of our trucks fail or even need service beyond the normal routine. There may be differences in these motors and ours that allow that kind of abuse, I don't know. Food for thought? Justin