Quote:
Originally Posted by vstech
depending on how old your 79 is, it either came with loop or pencil plugs, of course, someone may have converted loops to pencil too... which style do you have?
a plug in block heater helps a lot also when it's cold out. as will a timing chain in good condition, you mention MANY miles, so verifying the timing chain and fuel timing will help with starting. how many miles before your last valve adjust, and since? 15K should require valve adjust. if the previous was WAAAAY more than 15K, your "within the last few years" valve adjustment could SERIOUSLY need addressing.
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Thanks EVERYONE!!! priceless info and feedback...
I definitely use a block heater AND an oil pan heater since I run 15w40 rotella throughout the year because I already have bad oil leaks and 5w40 seems to make it worse...the heaters work great, but even today at low 50s (southern Minnesota) I have to cycle the plugs twice and still had some trouble starting!! ah!!
The engine has over ...hold on...700k...BUT, PO was a retired marine diesel mechanic and took good care of it...he put a new chain and rail in and injectors...and it smokes just a bit...and blow by is moderate (rattles the oil cap, but doesn't blow it off...thankfully)...otherwise, the darn engine 'purrrrs' very, very nicely.
The PO converted to pencil plugs -- I'm guessing like some of you stated that there is a bad plug somewhere..or I need to do some good reaming and replace them..and spend some time to check them w/ the ohm meter.
I'll try and do the valves ASAP -- It has probably been about 10k since they were done...
The battery is new and starter too -- so...I might go back to 5w40 for the winter (dang that was cold last year...-20s a lot here at night) and put up with the leaks...(i know one more thing to fix)...
I think I'll bypass the idea of getting the glow plug override kit and just tackle what has been mentioned here.
thanks a lot and let me know please if you think of anything else..