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.