I'd cycle it once, then do two cycles if it failed to start. Once you know your own truck's limitations, you can decide each time, based on the thermometer.

On my old VW, glowing it once was good down to freezing, then it needed another cycle for every ten degrees down from there. It got worse as the car aged- I think I had to add a cycle to that for every 20,000 km after it reached 400,000.

 

Don't forget to check your cables. I was having issues and my cables were corroded on the INSIDE. Couldn't see the corrosion from the outside. I needed a new terminal and had to cut the old one off. That's when I saw the interior corrosion.

As far as the grid heaters, the dealer I bought my truck from and my mechanic buddy at home told me if it is really cold (-5 or lower) cycle them twice and let her warm up for a good long time.

 

My grandfather used to always yell at me for starting the tractor and driving it before the temp came up. He would always say not to use it until the temp started to raise. If I did that with mine I'd go through so much fuel I'd have to park it. I can drive down the road adn it'll never reach operating temps even with a cold front. Funny how things change over the years. But do let it warm up some don't just jump in and go.

 

I had to rebuild the starter solenoid with a large plunger and new contacts and that took care of the starting problem all together at any temp

 

As soon as my oil pressure comes up I go and drive under 2000 rpm.
Been working for 250k miles, that's good enough proof for me that it's ok.

 

I guess it'll be ok. Some habit some habits stick with you though.

 

The reason that grandfather said to let it warm up is the older gas engines had a splash system instead of pressured oil to the bearings. The splash system did not work so well cold. As soon as the pressure is up you can load the engine, just take it easy and keep the RPM's low until it is warm. I try to keep the RPM's under 2k until warm.

I have seen what can happen to a cold engine that was overreved.

 

I have to cycle grid heaters at least twice when it is really cold and not plugged in, if plugged in only once, might be the amount of fuel with my mods causing the cold start issue

 

how old are we talking about?1920s?

 

Even into the 30's.

 

1953 Chevy 6's still had splash......