Let's Talk Starting Systems!?

[John Haggerty]

Brothers,

With winter around the corner, I thought a thread regarding starting systems might be useful. I have two issues I'd like to throw out there:

1) I no longer have the "clicky clicky" I had before. I notice the system cycling because after she starts I see a cycling on the volt meter. But it's not the sameand I havn't tried to start her on a real cold A.M. yet.

2) I've never used the block heater. My truck will become my daily ride this winter. I don't have the time to let her warm up. I thinking of hooking up the heater to a timer. Is this worth the effort, or should I just leave her plugged in overnight? How long sould I have the timer come on if I use a timer (yes I know it depends on how cold it is but just trying to know what you guys are doing)?

John

 

[Exekiel69]

Here you wont need to plug it more than 2-3hs. Do use the timer it will be cheaper. If you don't hear it click it could be the ground or power connection on the GP controller.

 

[wwwabbit]

Well, for me the loopy 1/2 running start, and a bunch of white smoke, looks like I need to do the glow plugs before it gets much colder. The nice thing about Victoria, there might be a week, possibly two, where the temps are below freezing, other then that it's just a damp chill you to the bones wet winter.

 

[Agnem]

Short initial cycle times would indicate that the glow plug resistance has increased, either due to faulty glow plugs, or a poor electrical connection. I bought a remote starter for the Bronco, so I'm planning on just letting it warm up. I haven't thought of what to do for the high idle yet, but I'm working on it.

 

[kennyd]

I use a HD appliance timer, about $15.00 from Home Cheapo, and usually set it for about 3 hours before the time I will be starting the truck. This has worked for me about 3 years now. You will also have heat alot quicker also!

You need to check your gloplugs if it is short-cycling...

 

[160k87F250]

I also use a heavy duty timer along with a heavy duty extension cord. I set the timer for 4:00 am and by 7:00 she is ready to start. Usually my coolant temp reads just above 100* when I go to start it.
John H