I am taking a trip to cold weather. I am wondering about starting my truck in cold weather. Do I need to know something.

Is there something I need to put in the fuel?

Do all trucks have block heaters? I think there might be a plug under my truck somewhere but not sure if it works. How can I test it?

Is there anything else I can do to assure easy starting?

 

How cold? My truck starts fine to 0*F... use an additive that prevents fuel gelling, like power service in the white bottle. Block heaters are stock, block heater cords are not... do a serch or PM me...

 

If the truck starts and runs well normally, you shouldn't have an issue. The two most problematic things are grid heaters that don't work and air leaks in the fuel system. If you search for them, you will find tons of info.

If you are going to cold weather for a long period, you should change to synthetic oil and make sure your block heater is working. Otherwise, you should be fine. The block heater can be checked by measuring the resistance across the plug.

 

I'm in Calgary where its around -15 Celcius right now. My truck starts no problem not plugged in when its -25. I run Rotella synthetic, I give it around 5min to warm up then drive really slow for a while, then she runs great. Just run synthetic, allow good warm up time and you should be good to go.

 

up in fort mac, alberta right now, -27 in the morning, everything starts fine with 15W40. we plug in just for faster start ups. you will now if your block heater is working if you see it spark (at the plug) when you plug it in. diesel run fine in cold weather. and mist fuels have anti gelling properties in cold climates.

 

do all of you guys run two batteries?

 

X2 ^^^^

Live here also, never used any type of additive in fuel, very rare i even plug it in. Had owned diesels since 03 and never had a problem.
One night got down to -33C forgot to plug in had to go to work, the old girl started up no prob, don't think she liked it that much though, kinda made me feel a little bad. You should have no issues, but plugging it in would be the proper thing to do.

 

If we want the truck to turn over
Two batts is the factory set up.

 

If you are comming from the warm south, you will need an anti gell like Powere Service white. Get it at WalMart. You will need this as the southern fuel is not fully winterized. I've been to both worlds.

You should be ok to start down to at least 0 F with good batteries. Below that cycle the grid heaters twice and you should not have a problem.

Get 2 fuel filters just in case. I always carry 2 with me and the tools to change them at road side. Tools also include cold weather clothing. It doesn't hurt to have a couple chemical hot packs incase you get doused with diesel when it is cold for your hands.

Currently I'm not using any anti gel but I have not left the cold north either so I'm full of winter blend fuel. More on this later.

From the south however you must use the anti gel. If it gels you are in for a lenthy, cold and probably costly delay believe me.

Cold weather clothing is a must for everyone in the truck and some packaged food for a day doesn't hurt either. I've been caught in blizzards 3 times over the years and welcomed the sleeping bag and a few snacks.