cold start question

[Dakotakid]

Quite frankly, it's like you are "inventing" problems.

Make sure all 4 of the glow plugs are working properly. A diesel engine requires HEAT to combust it's fuel....simple as that. There are no spark plugs or magic fairies that provide ignition. So, the glow plugs provide the very important initial heat to begin combustion in these non-direct injected engines.

It is actually a good practice to cycle the glow plugs twice (or even more) in colder temps, especially if your engine is not well over 400 psi in compression. Personally, I prefer to remove the glow plug relay and run my plugs with a push-button switch.

And, as already noted:  open that throttle to the max while turning over the engine when engine is cold.

[bbob203]

yep I cycle mine several times if I'm not in a hurry or even if I am an extra 20 seconds everytime you start your car will save so much wear and tear on the engine. Wire the relay to an e 350 solemoid and run that off your battery. it get a lot more juice to your plugs. see www.vincewaldon.com click on the pimp your glowplugs link.

[JessaBug]

You shouldn't really need the block heater here in NC. We installed one in our TD when we did our rebuild in early 2011 and have never used it. Heck, we did the first start after our rebuild when it was in the 30's outside with no problems. Granted, with everything refreshed it helped a lot I'm sure, but the starter was worn for sure.

Temps aren't that cold here. Pulling the cold start cable before you turn on the car and waiting for the glows *should* be all you really need during the winter. Cycling the glows another time may also help...we were doing that before the rebuild. But still never needed a block heater. But I would check your timing for sure. It never hurts to verify that when you have running or starting problems.

[vwroadkill]

again thank you for the input. I have fixed the problem.. two of the four glow plugs where shot.. have installed new ones, rechecked timing, set more advance in and I  am rolling down the road... will be delivering it to the body shop tomorrow for some needed work.
thank you again...
Dan

[Hoble]

Coldest I ever had to start one was -20c or -4f and done it a few times at -15c or 5f. First motor wouldn't handle it sure to bad compression ad took over half hour to get it going. The next motor was good and it was the one that started in -20c. Cycled the glow plugs a few times and pulle the cold start and turned the key. Took an extra crank or two but it fired up. White smoke like a mother out the exhaust. Ran inside and stood by the fire for 5-10 min then back out to the car to leave. Smoke was pretty much gone at that point. Tuned the pump by ear in warmer weather so I have no idea what it was set at.

[CarlosA]

You guys in the cold climates are really crazy! Coldest i`ve ever experienced is negative 5 and that was an industrial warehouse freezer, lol.

[vwroadkill]

I dont like the cold... hate snow.. and feel bad for anybody stuck out in it..
.now I understand a little more about these engines.. really pretty easy to work on once you get a feel for this.
thanks again for the input..
Dan

[Hoble]

You guys in the cold climates are really crazy! Coldest i`ve ever experienced is negative 5 and that was an industrial warehouse freezer, lol.

Lol my friend lived in upper Alberta for a while. He was starting in -35 Celsius. The odd night he'd leave it running though when it was forecast to be colder.

[745 turbogreasel]

California sucks, I've never had a working cold start device!
Ehh I guess one of the pumps on my Caddy had a cable, but I never pulled it.

[R.O.R-2.0]

On my mom's 84 Jetta I advance the timing for the winter. I like the quietness of the retarded timing but it just doesn't cut it in the winter.

i love the diesel rattle, so i dont mind a little more clatter...

i also like the extra power