WINTER WEATHER PRECAUTIONS

In this super cold spell, here are a few reminders. Especially for you new to diesels guys. We need to treat our children correctly.

1. Avoid parking the radiator into the wind

2. Best to plug the truck in. If at all possible, but a float charger on the batteries. It will keep them warm and the truck will start easier. You can do this if you don't have block heaters. The truck will spin over faster and will reduce hard starting.

3. Be sure you've drained any water from your fuel system.

4. If equipped, make sure the fuel heater is working

5. I shouldn't have to say this, but make sure you treat your fuel with a quality fuel treatment. (BTW, the Archoil stuff seems to be working very well)

6. In this sub zero weather, it's best to let the engine get to 100* F before driving. Then take it slow for the first mile or two. You could push out a gasket on the filter bracket of filter. You need to get that oil warmed up too.

7. Especially you northern guys, put a slab of cardboard in front of the radiator. Diesels run much colder than gassers , and need heat to com-bust properly. Your Rad could freeze while driving. Most are only protected to -20 +/-. The far north guys use different antifreeze or a higher concentration.

Good luck

Good write up @Polaraco


Might I suggest checking tire pressure in this very cold time of year.
My my tires were slightly lower since this air condense in colder temps.

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Originally Posted by AnOldBiker

Good write up @Polaraco


Might I suggest checking tire pressure in this very cold time of year.
My my tires were slightly lower since this air condense in colder temps.

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Good point Jim. They come up some when you start driving. I didn't think about that. I guess tire pressure is moot if the truck is froze up. LOL

Great tips guys!!

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

Tire pressure said it was low, we have had a 40* swing in temperature in 24 hours. Started fine, warmed up and drove.

BTW What is that symbol next to the low tire, it looks like a guy frozen on a toilet:rofl:

Mine ran fine yesterday, was -24 in the morning and never got above -10 or so. I started it at lunch time and let it run for a while to warm it back up so it wasnt sitting for 9 hours when I left to go home.

This morning was -29 and That 5 degrees made a difference. I had it plugged in all night again and it started fine and warmed up to over 100. When I got going it ran fine at low rpm but when i got in to 3rd it kept bogging down when i’d try to speed up. I ran it a few miles at lower rpm’s thinking it would warm up and work itself out but it didnt. It ended up dying and started right back up but it cranked for a few seconds. I took it back home plugged it back in and grabbed the wifes car.

Probably thick fuel issues? I’ve been using the diesel kleen in the white bottle for a couple months now. Should I have dumped a bottle of the 911 in knowing the extreme cold was coming?

Yes dump a full 32 oz red bottle in and drain both filters, change the filters if you haven't done them in a while

I have noticed the last year or so the diesel kleen (white bottle) is not what it once was. It doesnt seem as effective. I had a jelling issue, limped it to work, watching my fuel pressures, and left it in the shop to warm up till lunch time. Added the Fuel ox treatment we have at work, and no issues. seeing as I get the cost on fuel ox, and I have it easily accessible, that is what I have changed to. @Polaraco likes arch oil and I have heard good about Howes as well.

As for the red bottle, I have never had to use it.

I use Howes in my rig and have had great luck with it. -30 here two nights and negative teens as highs for a few days and I had no issues to speak of. Lots of diesels stranded on the side of the road during this cold spell.

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Originally Posted by OneTon

I use Howes in my rig and have had great luck with it. -30 here two nights and negative teens as highs for a few days and I had no issues to speak of. Lots of diesels stranded on the side of the road during this cold spell.

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Never used Howes. Can't say I've ever seen it on any shelves around here. Like @F350Cummins, I was using Diesel Kleen until I tried the Archoil stuff. It's a newer product. You'd have to compare the protection features. One it has, which I don't think Howes has is the other fuel bennies that Archoil has.