On Wed, 7 Feb 2007 11:30:29 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
roups.com...


The wonders of block heaters. When I start off on morning
patrol, it's warm by the time I hit the end of the road (1.3 miles)
and I've got heat in the cab 1/4 mile later.

The 7.3 is a tough start when it's cold - the preheater only
does two cylinders and when it's really cold, the truck
actually lurches until enough compression builds up to
fire off the other cylinders. With the ULS fuel, it's worse
than it used to be, so I started using the block heater.
Starts just peachy cool fine, smooth and like I said - heat
a lot faster.

The one problem I'm having with this cold snap is the
transmission - takes a while for it to warm up and shift
properly.

Maybe it's time to change the transmission oil.


Maybe. Mine shifts ok but is programmed not to go into OD until the
transmission temp is over some predetermined temperature.

The '05 (maybe other years as well) PSD block heater was an "option".
Turns out that the actual heater is installed (comes from International that
way) but Ford does not supply the wiring harness and it is what is
constitutes the "option". When I was having early problems with the truck
I asked about the optional wiring harness and they gave me one free. I have
never got around to installing it.

Knock on wood .... the problems I had with the truck (all at 12k miles or
less) seem to have been resolved. I now have almost 25k miles on it and it
has been perfect. I just hope Ford stays in business long enough to honor
the remaining warranty should any other problems occur.

Boating content: Heard from the broker yesterday. An interested buyer
returned for a second showing of the Navigator, this time bringing his wife
and daughter. According to the broker, the "decision makers" approved of
the boat, so an offer may be coming. Mixed feelings about this.

Eisboch



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

"JLH" wrote in message
...


How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now, if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Eisboch

On Feb 7, 10:55 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JLH" wrote in message

...



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now, if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

My experience with the 7.3 is different for some reason. A couple
of winters ago, I had a gel problem when the temps stayed below
10 for a few days - I didn't use the block heater and everything
gummed up. And it takes time to thaw the damn thing out.

That and I was using the Lucas diesel conditionar and that stuff
sucks big time. When I switched to Diesel Dr., things improved
and when I changed that to the Ford conditioner, no more problems.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Greatest invention since sliced cheese.

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
ps.com...
On Feb 7, 10:55 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JLH" wrote in message

...



How does the Sprinter do on these cold mornings?

It started fine the other day at 14 degrees after sitting without running
for about a month.
I haven't tried it on the really cold days. I don't like to start
engines
unless I am going to drive them long enough to warm up to operating temp.

My experience has been that diesels are fine until the temp gets below
zero.
The major fuel suppliers modify the fuel formulations for "winter" and
"summer" blends that adds anti-gelling properties for cold weather. Now,
if
you lived in Alaska or North Dakota, that would be a different story
where
the use of block heaters and additional fuel conditioners is required.

My experience with the 7.3 is different for some reason. A couple
of winters ago, I had a gel problem when the temps stayed below
10 for a few days - I didn't use the block heater and everything
gummed up. And it takes time to thaw the damn thing out.

That and I was using the Lucas diesel conditionar and that stuff
sucks big time. When I switched to Diesel Dr., things improved
and when I changed that to the Ford conditioner, no more problems.

Shortwave has a point though. Using a block heater here in New England
would surely help with the engine warm up time. Mine takes about 8 miles
of
driving before the engine temperature gauge even starts to move.
Fortunately, my truck is equipped with heated seats, so it is tolerable.
Also, although not "hot" ... the heater does start to throw some warm air
within the first couple of miles, even if the gauge hasn't moved.

Greatest invention since sliced cheese.


Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with the
vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and never had
this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire tank of
whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other crap, which
worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This week, frozen again.
Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from Armorall or whoever
makes it.

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news

Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire
tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other
crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This week,
frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from
Armorall or whoever makes it.



I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never noticed
this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks just like
the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32 degrees. Maybe
you got some of the wrong stuff.

Eisboch

"Eisboch" wrote in message
. ..

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news

Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire
tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other
crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This
week, frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from
Armorall or whoever makes it.



I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never noticed
this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks just like
the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32 degrees. Maybe
you got some of the wrong stuff.

Eisboch



The latest bottle says it's good to -25 F. !!! What a crock. And again,
this is while standing still. No wind chill.

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"Eisboch" wrote in message
. ..

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news

Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the
entire tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some
other crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s.
This week, frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink
stuff from Armorall or whoever makes it.



I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never
noticed this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks
just like the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32
degrees. Maybe you got some of the wrong stuff.

Eisboch



The latest bottle says it's good to -25 F. !!! What a crock. And again,
this is while standing still. No wind chill.


I refuse to enter into a "wind chill" debate about non-living objects.

Eisboch

On Feb 7, 12:17 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Eisboch" wrote in message

. ..





"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
news

Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire
tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other
crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This
week, frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from
Armorall or whoever makes it.

I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never noticed
this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks just like
the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32 degrees. Maybe
you got some of the wrong stuff.

Eisboch

The latest bottle says it's good to -25 F. !!! What a crock. And again,
this is while standing still. No wind chill.


Only living animals are subject to wind chill.

On Feb 7, 11:16 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message

news


Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the entire
tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other
crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This week,
frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from
Armorall or whoever makes it.

I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never noticed
this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks just like
the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32 degrees. Maybe
you got some of the wrong stuff.

Been there - done that.

I use the pink stuff now.

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Feb 7, 11:16 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message

news


Here's something to invent: Windshield washer that doesn't freeze, with
the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. I've lived here 25 years and
never had this problem until now. 3 weeks back, I had to drain the
entire
tank of whatever crap the mechanic put in it. Went & bought some other
crap, which worked for a day when the temp was in the high 20s. This
week,
frozen again. Two different brands! Next, the fancy pink stuff from
Armorall or whoever makes it.

I was just reading about this in another NG. Apparently ( I never
noticed
this ) there is a "summer" windshield washer fluid that looks just like
the winter stuff (same blue color) but is only good to 32 degrees.
Maybe
you got some of the wrong stuff.

Been there - done that.

I use the pink stuff now.


Rental car in New Jersey years ago. Turned on the windshield washers while
driving over an overpass. Solid sheet of ice on the windshield.