Starting a 7.3 in the Cold Cold

[CaptainVo]

I'll be heading up to the mountains soon and was wondering how cold can I start the 7.3 in before its to cold? I haven't had any problems around 20 but it's looking like we might hit negative numbers soon. I also wondered if anyone has used a portable generator to power the block heater and if it worked worth a damn?

[simplesez]

We had to leave a 7.3 F350 in a mountain town for two weeks last year because it wouldn't start. Got it back once it warmed above freezing.

Generator works as a good backup source. Frozen diesel is another issue.

[alta825]

Make sure to toss in some of the Diesel Kleen white bottle winter anti-gel additive and make sure your fuel tank is mostly full. Keep your eyes open, definitely have found some parking in mtn towns where I could plug the block heater in to. Just make sure to pack a good outdoor 50-75' extension cord

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[shenrie]

^^^ almost exactly what i was going to say. only thing i can add is ive found a few light poles in parking lots that have outlets in my travels. when using power sources that arent mine, im sneaky with how i route my cords to look the least inconspicuous. snow hides them well

[REF]

All good advice, I also get in the habit of cycling the ignition at least 2X's in the winter months when it's cold to give the glow plugs an extra heating cycle.


'03 Ford E350 7.3L Diesel
RB "50" SMB
Quigley 4X4, Deaver's and RIP kit
CCV high profile pop top

[arctictraveller]

In Alaska, it's not uncommon to use a propane weed burner to preheat engines. Folks will take a section of stove pipe with a 90deg bend in it. Place the bend under the engine, light the burner and place it in the long end of the pipe. Occasionally, someone will leave it too long and burn a hole in the pipe. It's obvous who's done this, because there the ones that have melted bumper covers and grills.

[CaptainVo]

Here is another food for thought question. How many amp hours would it take to heat the engine block heater with the inverter? I can't imagine it would work well but if shit hit the fan maybe it would warm up enough to start. Isn't Scalf the local electrical guru? Maybe he could chime in?

[Abitibi]

Originally Posted by CaptainVo

Here is another food for thought question. How many amp hours would it take to heat the engine block heater with the inverter? I can't imagine it would work well but if shit hit the fan maybe it would warm up enough to start. Isn't Scalf the local electrical guru? Maybe he could chime in?

I'm very doubtful about this working, block heaters pull big juice! But if I'm wrong then I'll keep it in mind for my next cold travel

I do like the wood pipe idea though, beats building wood fire directly under the engine like they do in Russia, lol

Cheers
David

"Another great day ruined by responsibilities"

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by REF

All good advice, I also get in the habit of cycling the ignition at least 2X's in the winter months when it's cold to give the glow plugs an extra heating cycle.

Agree completely. Also, keep in mind that the glow plug cycle lasts something like 2 minutes each time, not just until the dashboard Wait To Start light goes out. But, the glow plug cycle takes a lot of juice, so make sure your batteries are in good shape.

This does all remind me of growing up with my Dad and going skiing in the Winter. Before turning in for the night, my Dad would run the engine for 15 minutes or so, and then stick an old sleeping bag on the hood of our station wagon to try and trap some of the heat.


Herb

[Bbasso]

I installed a cheapo volt guage to watch when the glow plugs are drawing juice...
So in very cold/ first start of the day, i wait till the voltage comes back up to 12.2 and fully turn to start. Works like a charm.