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2oldman's avatar
2oldman
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2013

Cold weather diesel starting

Tried to start the Cummins 8.3L in 28° weather, and it started, but shook horribly. I let it run for about a minute then turned it off. Restarted it and it ran fine. That was scary.

Talked to some truckers and called a Freightliner place.. they it was gelled fuel, and to use an additive. Got some. Hope tomorrow morning is better.
Tow Vehicles

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  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2013
    #2 from Idaho. Well, maybe it is something else, but there were no lights coming on.
  • dgreen1069's avatar
    dgreen1069
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    28 isn't all that cold for a diesel. I'm guessing the engine either had weak plugs or a weak grid (not sure which the 8.3l has). At that temp the engine should start right up with a good bit of noise, but not shuttering.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2013
    Trackrig wrote:
    28 degrees seems to be a little high for gelling problmes.
    I thought the same thing. Perhaps some engines are more sensitive.

    It should be about as cold tonight so we'll see what it does in the am. Like I said, once I stopped and started it, it was fine all day.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Oct 16, 2013
    Additive like Power Serve will help, but 28 degrees seems to be a little high for gelling problmes.

    Bill

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