What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

2000 GMT400 CREW CAB SFA SWAP-The Warden: Fuel leak fixed and awaiting surgery…

The ultimate goal for this truck is tow duty/family camping trips/small offroad adventures.
Overview Gallery Discussion
Today was a pretty good test on the trucks starting abilities. The starter made a very big difference, but I am still in need of better glow plugs. This morning it was 11* with a wind chill of -2*. Took about 20-30 seconds of cranking for the truck to start, but it did. Followed by tons of gray smoke. Enough smoke that my neighbor called to make sure everything was ok...:crazy:
 
I went out this morning expecting 18* and ran the Duraterms for 25 seconds before cranking. No dice, so I ran them for another 15 seconds and then it would fire. But it still took another 10 seconds of cranking + plugs before it would start. A full minute of warm-up before it would start. I then realized it felt pretty chilly and found out the temp was actually 4*.

I am down at least one plug, but there's a data point for your cold starting comparison. I can't say what the smoke looked like as it was still pitch black when I left. The 24V starter is really handy on days like this. Big Blue would not be starting today with its lower cranking speed.
 
What I want is an Espar or a Webasto unit. But that could double the amount of money I have into this rig if I buy a brand new kit. :doah:

It's not something that would get used much, but I can dream... :rolleyes:
 
GWeakland620 said:
I use my block heater every night.
Click to expand...

On the stock frost plug heater, slow-cranking Big Blue had no problem firing off promptly at -20* (actual temp, wind chill doesn't count when it comes to iron). With minimal plug cycling. If you're struggling with the heater running, something is wrong.
 
campfire said:
On the stock frost plug heater, slow-cranking Big Blue had no problem firing off promptly at -20* (actual temp, wind chill doesn't count when it comes to iron). With minimal plug cycling. If you're struggling with the heater running, something is wrong.
Click to expand...
I'm wondering if maybe my block heater is no good. It's only a couple years old. I replaced it right when I bought it.
 
It goes inline with your heater hoses.
It pumps coolant through your whole system.
It's cool because you get instant cab heat when you get in.
Which is so nice.
It gets hot enough to open your thermostat and pump coolant around the whole cooling system.

I noticed that block heaters only heat a small local area.
On a few tractors my father relied everyday on the farm he would have two block heaters on them.

They are super easy to put on. Cut a hose put two clamps on and top off the coolant you leaked. Plug in.

Easy peasy. Best part is the cab heat. Other then making it to work on time and taking proper care of your engine of course:thumb:
 
Last edited:
beags86 said:
It goes inline with your heater hoses.
It pumps coolant through your whole system.
It cool because you get instant cab heat when you get in.
Which is so nice.
It gets hot enough to open your thermostat and pump coolant around the whole cooling system.

I noticed that block heaters only heat a small local area.
On a few tractors my father relied everyday on the farm he would have two block heaters on them.

They are super easy to put on. Cut a hose put two clamps on and top off the coolant you leaked. Plug in.

Easy peasy. Best part is the cab heat. Other then making it to work on time and taking proper care of your engine orlf course:thumb:
Click to expand...

Haven't been late yet, but I have had the thought.

My reluctance in using the heater is I remember Big Blue firing right up in the morning and then nearly stranding me after sitting at work for 9 hours (several times). I can't heat it at work, and the afternoon isn't always much warmer than the morning. So I'd rather be stranded at home where I have a backup car than be stranded at work where I don't. Of course that math changed when I sold the backup car, now I just want it running all the time! :haha:
 
beags86 said:
That and maybe a fuel filter heater and your guys 6.2-6.5s would roar to life everyday.


Or a heated garage.
Click to expand...

Oooh. That is one thing I forgot about. The 84+ trucks have a heated filter, the 83 K10 does not. Greg's should also have a heated filter.

I haven't looked into the control logic, though. I have no idea if it still works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom