As colder temperatures arrive in late fall, new challenges
come with the changing seasons for the diesel owner. With proper preparation,
cold weather starting and driving inconveniences are easily averted. Here are a few recommendations from Mike
Naughton Ford.
Diesel engines need to be spun fast enough to start, so it
is of utmost importance that the starting and charging system be in top
condition and the resistance from spinning the engine be minimized. I recommend your batteries be tested prior to
cold weather arriving and the battery cables and batteries be free of
corrosion. In order to reduce
resistance, use of correct oil viscosities for diesel engines is very
important. Check the owner’s manual for the recommend oil viscosity for the
temperature range expected during the winter months. Usually when the temperature falls below
freezing, 10W-30 is preferred over the traditional 15W-40. Using the lighter oil will allow your starter
to spin the engine easier in cold temperatures.
Fresh engine oil is another step that will allow the engine to start
easier.
Another important reason to have the starting and charging
system in top working order is the glow plugs.
In order for you diesel engine to start, the engine must be
pre-heated. This function belongs to the
glow plugs. The glow plugs require a substantial amount of electrical power to
operate properly. If the batteries or
cables are not giving the proper amount of electrical power to the glow plugs,
starting your diesel engine in cold weather is impossible. Most diesel engines are equipped with an
engine block heater. When the
temperature drops below 20 F, use of the engine block heater will allow the
engine to start much easier. Another
benefit of the block heater, the defroster/heater will put out warm air much
quicker.
Taking care of your fuel injection system is also an
important step to successful cold weather operation. Diesel fuel quality is critical for reliable
engine operation, during the winter months a few extra steps must be
taken. Diesel can begin to gel when the
temperature drops below 20 F. To avoid cold weather fuel gelling, use an
anti-gelling additive from a reputable manufacturer. Diesel fuel retains water; the water separator
should be drained monthly or more often if a warning light comes on alerting
that there is water in the fuel. Regular
fuel filter changes will also safeguard your injection system from harm. Using
the good quality filters (not the cheapest) will keep impurities away from your
fuel injectors. Biodiesel will gel at a
higher temperature that Number 1-D diesel fuel or “winterized” Number 2-D
diesel fuel. You may want to restrict
the use of biodiesel during the coldest temperatures.
Last, by not least, be sure to have your coolant protection
level checked. If the protection level proves
to be inadequate or the coolant is contaminated, don’t hesitate to have the
system serviced. Always follow the recommended service intervals found in the
owner’s manual.
There are a few items that are not recommended, such as: Do
not use starting fluid, such as ether, in the air intake system. Ether can
cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal
injury. Do not add gasoline, gasohol or
alcohol to diesel fuel. This could cause a fire hazard and cause engine
performance problems.
Some of the best helpful ideas for cold weather operation
will be found in the owner’s manual. The
hints are vehicle specific, which can be a big advantage for winter operation. Following
the step outlined above, will help minimize diesel engine failure.
Jamie Kiefer Mike
Hesskamp
Service Manager Master
Technician
Mike Naughton Ford Mike
Naughton Ford
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