Quote:
Originally Posted by Graplr
My car was parked outside overnight. When I went out there this morning I realized that the timer wasn't turned on. Usually it kicks on at 5am automatically but I was in a rush last night and didn't double check it.
So I decided I would give cold starting it a try. I got my stopwatch out and turned to the ON position to let it glow and started the timer. My temp gauge read -19.0C. When 30 seconds elapsed I turned it off and started over again. At about 25 seconds I started cranking and it fired up after only a few seconds of the starter spinning.
Out on the road I saw one bank saying -2F and another saying -4F. -19.0C equates to -2.2F.
I was pretty pleased with a start in that temp after it sat cold for 12 hours in below 0 temperatures.  How easily it started made me think I could get it started at -10F.
Mobetta has told me he started his 300TD cold in -15F before. I think my SD has a shot at it, but I would rather not voluntarily try it.  |
I would recommend always use the block heater in temps below freezing. 90+ percent of engine wear occurs at cold startup until a good flow of lubricating oil is circulating. At -3 degrees, your oil is like molasses (unless you are using a low-vis synthetic) and those pistons are sliding around dry and making metal shavings until the oil warms up.
J.G.