Diesel Engines ~ Cold Starts

[BIG JOE]

Every year 'bout this time there are many Posts about Starting issues that relate to our PSDs. Some of this Post will be Extremely "Duh" to some but will maybe provide some insight and understanding to others... and just Might save some Worry, Fret and maybe some Money ?

In Layman's language, and simply put :

The primary and basic operating principle of a Diesel engine is Compression. Compression Creates Heat. When, and only When (in each cylinder) enough heat is generated to detonate a spray of fuel (in each cylinder), will a Diesel engine start, and run smoothly.

On a PSD.. there's a Glow Plug in each cylinder to Pre-Heat the air, Prior to cranking the engine over.. to provide even More heat than the initial compression from each piston.. would provide.. at ANY outside, or ambient temperature. (due to the higher flash point of Diesel fuel, verses, Gasoline).

At Winter starting temperatures, the Block Heater will provide [some] heat. (but does not heat the block to operating temps) The Air Intake heater (AIH) heats the intake air, just prior to it entering the cylinders.. the High Idle kicks on, Fan clutch kicks in, EBPV closes... ALL, for a faster warm up.

Here's where it can get Touchy:

Even if "All The Above" Operate Properly (?)...A Diesel engine, May.. Still.. Run rough, Smoke some, and Lack Power.. for a Period of Time. THAT, in it's self, Doesn't necessarily mean, there are Problems that need Time, Money and Parts thrown at them.

It's simply.. The Nature, of a Diesel engine... in COLD weather.

A Diesel needs [Heat] to run right.. just allow it a moment or two to build the heat it needs, to do that.

 

[IHC Power]

nicely spoken joe

that should sum up alot of problems with newbies on the forum especially since it's winter time, couldn't have said it better joe.

 

[DaveBen]

I was thinking of writing something like what you said Joe. Congrats on beating me to the punch. I was screwing around with my new netbook.

Dave

 

[02SilverStroke]

Well said, Joe.

 

[WD40]

As always our man Joe comes though. Thanks Joe, I was watching the news tonight and it looks like a bunch of our SSD.com friends have snow and lots of cold weather this week. Good luck guy, keep your engine warm.
Doug

 

[JLDickmon]

well put, Joe.
couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Yooper75]

Well said Joe.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

I'll second that.

I suggest maybe Joe's post is made a sticky??

 

[DaveBen]

I'll second that.

I suggest maybe Joe's post is made a sticky??

AND put it in BOLD TYPE!!!!

Dave

 

[bigrigr]

X2! Well said! These trucks are "oil burners" and they are sometimes onery, which, much like the other women we love, make them noisy and fussy when things aren't exactly to there liking. But, much like the other women, were not ever gonna be able to "fix" everything, everytime. Sometimes you just gotta let them have their way for a minute or two....... or longer if needed! And sometimes you just gotta ride it like it's someone else's till she stops bucking!