Cold Weather Start

[wimpog]

How long do you have to wait for the glow plug to warm up the fuel, say in 0F (-32C) frost?
I just want to know what to expect in winter, when it gets cold.
Any problems with that?
Thanks,

[MyAvocation]

Less than 10 seconds. GPs don't heat the fuel, they turn white-hot in the combustion chamber in order to assist with igniting fuel. However in practical use, when car sits outside in -15°F or more, some of us will cycle the ignition key once or twice as an added measure.

Starting problems are uncommon. Many of us recommend using anti-gel fuel additives. Some do so all winter, while others only use when temps get extreme and some don't use any.

[wimpog]

Originally Posted by MyAvocation

Less than 10 seconds. GPs don't heat the fuel, they turn white-hot in the combustion chamber in order to assist with igniting fuel. However in practical use, when car sits outside in -15°F or more, some of us will cycle the ignition key once or twice as an added measure.

Starting problems are uncommon. Many of us recommend using anti-gel fuel additives. Some do so all winter, while others only use when temps get extreme and some don't use any.

I live in the Northeast (Mass). How do I know when to add the anti-get fuel additives? Is it possible for diesel fuel to freeze?

[dezel]

If you are concerned about start-up, install a frost heater. My 02 starts fine in cold weather the problem it takes a few minutes to blow heat but thats really no biggy again that can be elimanated with a heater. I use a fuel additive with every tank to help with lubricity, cetane boost. It's probably overkill im sure but it gives me pease of mind. Make sure whatever you use is recommended for your vehicle and does Not contain any alcohol.

[YMZ]

First: Zero degrees Fahrenheit equals minus 17 degrees Celsius... minus 30 degrees Celsius equals minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit...

As posted above, the glow plugs heat up the combustion chamber and provide a "hot point"...

In Massachusetts you won't get nearly as cold as we do in Canada, and we haven't had any problems even in places like Winnipeg... In a Common-Rail model, I'd be adding a lubricity additive on a regular basis, and when the temperature hovers around zero, add the anti-gelling variety.

Yuri

[wimpog]

Originally Posted by YMZ

First: Zero degrees Fahrenheit equals minus 17 degrees Celsius... minus 30 degrees Celsius equals minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit...

As posted above, the glow plugs heat up the combustion chamber and provide a "hot point"...

In Massachusetts you won't get nearly as cold as we do in Canada, and we haven't had any problems even in places like Winnipeg... In a Common-Rail model, I'd be adding a lubricity additive on a regular basis, and when the temperature hovers around zero, add the anti-gelling variety.

Yuri

How often do the glow plugs need to be changed? I imagine they should last for a long time, since they're only used when the vehicle is started, and not used to actually "burn" anything.

[YMZ]

The common-rail TDIs use a different type of glow plug (yet again) than previous models... they're much more sophisticated, and there's still no track record as to longevity, nor can comparisons be made to older styles...

Yuri

[vwottawa]

Originally Posted by YMZ

... In a Common-Rail model, I'd be adding a lubricity additive on a regular basis, and when the temperature hovers around zero, add the anti-gelling variety.

Yuri

Can you give me an example of a lubricity additive that I can buy in Canada?

Also when you say add the lubricity regularly do you mean on every fill up?

I have noticed this product at Canadian Tire http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en called PS Diesel Fuel Supplement. It this good for normal use and/or winter antigel as well?

[MyAvocation]

Yes, that's a recommended anti-gel additive (white bottle). Power Service is a very popular brand, and on shelves everywhere. Personally I prefer Stanadyne, but is difficult to find in stores/truck stops.

[wimpog]

Originally Posted by MyAvocation

Yes, that's a recommended anti-gel additive (white bottle). Power Service is a very popular brand, and on shelves everywhere. Personally I prefer Stanadyne, but is difficult to find in stores/truck stops.

Do you add it each time you fill up your tank?