I've heard a bunch of rumors/talk about diesels, wondering if you guys would be kind on a newb (well, a newb to diesel engines, anyways) and clear some of these up for me.

1) I've heard that with the new, lower-Sulfur fuels, you need to get a fuel additive for most diesel engines. True? Not? Would this apply to a 1995 Chevy C/K 2500 6.5L Turbo-Diesel (Detroit Diesel)?
2) What is the proper starting procedure for a diesel in VERY cold temperatures (say... Mackinaw City, MI - the very top part of SE michigan for those not familiar with the area, FRIGID COLD)? I know you gotta wait for the "wait to start" light to go out (duh!) but anything else I need to know?

And if you have anything you'd like to add about the basics of owning/driving a diesel, please feel free to. I'd love to see my C/K last for 1/2 a million miles with few major problems. Again, I know all the basics of gasoline vehicle care (changing spark plugs, changing wires, checking gaps, etc.) but alot of that doesn't apply to diesels, and I'm sure there's at least just as much that applies to diesels but not gas engines.

Thanks!
- JR

 

As for #2, Make sure it is plugged in at night and wait for the light. Then, let it idle for 5 mins or so and you should good to go just dont romp on it. If its not plugged in it will start hard and you may have to turn the key on a couple times w/o turning it over to heat the plugs up a little more. Then let it idle for at least 10 mins.

 

Sounds like a good post for the Diesel section.

But yeah, I'd plug it in like its Glade.

 

Right now, I'm waiting on this to be released:

http://www.borgwarner.com/products/b...esel-starting/

 

bump for more suggestions/tips/advice.

btw - the truck seems to require that I give her a little gas as the weather has gotten colder to get her started. Is this normal? If no, then what could be some possible causes? What can I do to fix it? btw - truck had glow plugs replaced 10,000 miles ago, and had most of the fuel system overhauled recently too, so I doubt that's the cause. No engine codes. Runs just fine once she's warmed up. btw - where I'm staying, there's no way to "keep her plugged in overnight" so what else can/should I do?

Thanks for the help y'all.

 

If you can't possibly plug it in(can't run an extension cord or two?),Don't drive it until the temperature gauge has moved up a bit. not necessarily all warmed up, but off the bottom.

are you saying that you're pumping the go pedal to start it?

 

since the new low sulphur has came out i have been putting in 2 cycle motor oil. about 1 oz per gallon and it helps lube a little more.
the reason its getting hard to start is it way too cold. its doing all its best to start. if it was plugged in it would crank pretty easy but would still require to warm up before you drive it. but since you cant plug it in you need to really let that motor warm up.

 

You can buy a Block heater for it. Just go to ebay and search for Block Heater. shouldn't be difficult to install. that should help it start a lil easier, but you still don't wana drive it until it reaches operating temps.

 

I don't drive until she reaches op temps.

btw - when the wait to start light goes out, should the glow plugs stay on or not? *EDIT* And yes, I was planning on buying a block heater and getting that installed this weekend (during the day when it's not freezing ***** off cold)

 

when the light is on, and it's saying "WAIT" the glow plugs are on, and they're heating up the block. It's going to cycle a few times . . . up to 3, and then that's the usual start.

Since it's really cold out, let it cycle 3 times . . . on off, on off, on off . . . and then turn off the key, then turn the key back on. This will make the glow plugs cycle again.

Cracking the throatle on startup is ok. Just enough to open the blade.