Forum Discussion

missouri_dave's avatar
Sep 10, 2017

Diesels in cold weather

Not wanting to reignite the diesel vs gas wars but I would like to know for those that live in colder parts of the country, how does the diesel do in winter? I'm from the gulf coast and needless to say, winter isn't much of an issue here but how about somewhere north from Maine to the pacific northwest and perhaps up into Canada, any issues with the diesel jelling?
  • No problem with fuel geeling in winter. Even when I lived in northern Alberta where temps were often in -40 range. Only issue was the fact that the truck would not heat up unless I was putting a load on the engine.

    My truck came with an automatic high idle to help in really cold or really hot temps. The idle kicks in to help increase engine temp when its cold, or to increase the coolant flow after pulling a load in high temperatures.
  • Hi.. In colorado. We have some cold weather. My truck is parked outside during the winter. I plug in the block heater which makes for a easy start. Also, I have not had any problem with fuel during the cold weather . ...Jim2007
  • If it's cold enough to be an issue with a diesel, most gasoline vehicles would be having problems too. A simple bottle of fuel treatment (ps) is good insurance in extreme cold temps.
  • No. In cold weather the big difference is to let the grid heater/glow plugs do their job before attenpting to start. On my truck I had the dealer add high idle which allows me to turn on the cruise control and increase idle speed to air in warm up.