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 sa...
Forum Discussion
I have a 2009 Duramax (Chev. Silverado) and a 2013 Powerstroke (F550) up here in AK. The fuel outlets sell a winter diesel that avoids gelling. I generally plug the heater in at 0 or below....as much to get cab heat quickly as anything else.
Sometimes a diesel might take a bit longer to get all the way warmed up than a gas engine, but in general there's no real difference in winter use.
Last winter I had occasion to drive both vehicles to / from Fairbanks where the observed low (on a bank sign next to the work location) was -39 one trip and -32 the other. Both vehicles started fine (after being plugged in) but idle doesn't cut it at those temps for heat: it took about 10 minutes under load (relatively slow driving) to get the engine thoroughly warm and putting out noticeable heat to the cab.
Sometimes a diesel might take a bit longer to get all the way warmed up than a gas engine, but in general there's no real difference in winter use.
Last winter I had occasion to drive both vehicles to / from Fairbanks where the observed low (on a bank sign next to the work location) was -39 one trip and -32 the other. Both vehicles started fine (after being plugged in) but idle doesn't cut it at those temps for heat: it took about 10 minutes under load (relatively slow driving) to get the engine thoroughly warm and putting out noticeable heat to the cab.
