Glow plugs and cold weather

[83rangerguy]

I know the 2.2's didn't come from the factory with block heaters so I was wondering what the glow plug system is rated for...meaning at what temps will it simply fail to start without additional heating aids?

I learned this past winter I can start without using my block heater to about zero degrees, any colder than about negative five and it becomes necessary to use my block heater, though I make it a habit to plug in when temps are at freezing (32 degrees) or below, I do so to save wear and tear on the batteries and starter, and also to heat the oil so it gets flowing sooner.

What's the coldest temps you guys can start in without using any additional heating aids, or cycling the glow plugs...for me it's somewhere in the 0 to -5 range.

[phillip.brannon]

i plug mine in all time.... doesn't matter what the temp is....if its parked over night its plugged up...just a whole lot less wear on the engine

[Guest DDR]

I was starting up Yvonne at -20C, but like you say, with more wear and tear on the starter.

[montana]

I plug in my block heater Sept. thru April regardless of temps... I was out of town this past winter during one of our cold snaps and I didn't have access to an outlet at my motel, it was -25 that morning and my truck wouldn't start, even cycled the gp's 4-5 times but she wasn't starting, I borrowed an extension cord and ran it thru the window into my room and one hour later she fired right up like it was 80 degrees out, the block heater makes a HUGE difference in Arctic temps.

I have on occasion started in near zero temps without using the block heater, she wasn't happy about it but she did fire up. So, I don't have an answer to your original question but from my experience I would guess the gp system becomes ineffective somewhere between zero and -25 degrees, of course there are other variables that factor in as well, like oil viscosity, battery condition, type of glow plug, etc.

[83rangerguy]

Has anyone ever started colder than minus 25 without a block heater?

[DieselDangerRanger]

I don't think I'd have had a chance at -32c (-25f). I got away with -20c or so a few times.

[phillip.brannon]

coldest it ever got here last winter was 6....luckily i had it plugged up cause i just my glowplugs working about a week ago...