Cold starting issuse

[SRCgw]

I've been having issues with my L300 cold starting even when plugged in. It starts okay up to minus 10 C, after that if it doesn't fire right away it kills the battery. All 4 glow plugs were recently checked; the IP rebuilt, and the injectors replaced about 12K ago.

I am not mixing; just straight diesel. I had the battery load tested and was told it was fine. If I park it without it being plugged in I need to start every hour or so.

Any suggestions?

[L300Foca]

I've been having issues with my L300 cold starting even when plugged in. It starts okay up to minus 10 C, after that if it doesn't fire right away it kills the battery. All 4 glow plugs were recently checked; the IP rebuilt, and the injectors replaced about 12K ago.

I am not mixing; just straight diesel. I had the battery load tested and was told it was fine. If I park it without it being plugged in I need to start every hour or so.

Any suggestions?

Put some gasoline (2-3%) in tank with diesel

[Mr. Flibble]

I don't know if the gas is a good idea, it thins the diesel, true, but it also increases wear on the pump and does not burn as well in a Diesel engine.

You probably need a bigger battery. Get a marine deep-cycle gel battery. Costs more, but has the power to start a cold diesel. Part of the problem is that as it gets colder, the battery does not work as well, and yet it has much more work to do. Other options are a block heater, a espar hydronic or put it in a garage.

EDIT:

I missed that you said "plugged in", so I should have assumed a block heater. My bad.

My guess then is the alternator or not a large enough battery for the cold.

[L300Foca]

I don't know if the gas is a good idea, it thins the diesel, true, but it also increases wear on the pump and does not burn as well in a Diesel engine.

You probably need a bigger battery. Get a marine deep-cycle gel battery. Costs more, but has the power to start a cold diesel. Part of the problem is that as it gets colder, the battery does not work as well, and yet it has much more work to do. Other options are a block heater, a espar hydronic or put it in a garage.

EDIT:

I missed that you said "plugged in", so I should have assumed a block heater. My bad.

My guess then is the alternator or not a large enough battery for the cold.

I can start my engine with battery from flashlight when is everything other OK - glow plugs, fuel...

It it is good stuf to have bigger battery (my is 100 Ah - one), but it is not must have

[SRCgw]

Actually it is a deep cycle battery; not sure what the Cold Cranking Amps are though.

[psilosin]

Why would you want a deep-cycle for a starting battery? Deep-Cycle batteries are not meant for quick high amp application but for steady stable discharge and is ok with being discharged fully which is why they are often used for auxillary batteries to power camping gear. A 'normal' battery should have much higher CCA compared to a deep-cycle.

[Mr. Flibble]

Why would you want a deep-cycle for a starting battery? Deep-Cycle batteries are not meant for quick high amp application but for steady stable discharge and is ok with being discharged fully which is why they are often used for auxillary batteries to power camping gear. A 'normal' battery should have much higher CCA compared to a deep-cycle.

Err, sorry, good point! Not deep cycle but high CCA like you said. I need to stop posting on the forums so early in the morning.

Given the symptoms though, sounds like the battery needs more power itself, or, the alternator is just a little low on the charging - not in a failed state; so it is borderline ok when the Deli is going, but does not charge tha battery enough to top off and handle the cold. However, I think that is much less likely than the battery being able to handle the load when it is cold.

A test would be to bring the battery in where it is warm, then take it out and try the cold-start scenario.

[Dino]

Also might want to check the cables. Try a voltage drop test on the main battery cable to the starter.

http://www.autotechnician.org/starter-v ... n-english/

[yojimbo]

As above, I would say that barring any problems with the starter motor and glow plugs, your electrical system needs to be in tip top condition, check for any losses across connectors and give everything a good clean, You could for example have a battery terminal that is partially very finely corroded, or the connector, or it has a film of crap on it, it may read good when tested, but under load only a small percentage of the surface area is conducting properly. So its a case of checking battery connections, starter motor, and earth return line for decent connections. Glow plug cables too.

You mention battery, not batterys, winter packed L300s had twin batteries, you shouldnt need 2, but the implication is you need 'more' than a single battery can give, are you running the standard size for single fitment? Smaller/larger? As above, just because the battery is in good health, doesnt mean it has the capacity to start this van. Did you have the van with this setup last year in the winter?

[SRCgw]

It was the same setup last year, but never got below -10 C at the coldest. I got it in March.

It only had one battery when I got it, the deep cycle one. Where would the second one be mounted? I did not see any space for it.

[yojimbo]

The batteries are mounted side by side, with negatives at the front, positives at the rear, they fill the battery tray area. Deep cycle batteries aren't made for starting, I dont know the specifics, but battery internals are different for different applications to maintain longevity. I did read an interesting post once on a another forum from someone in the know, and whats good for the goose isnt good for the gander. Have you tried jump starting with another battery slaved up to see if the extra go is enough?

[sub-arctic]

Due to the nature of diesels anything below -10 to -15 you are pretty much reduced to being plugged in with a block heater. my l300 has the dual batteries and hand throttle etc, which help, but as soon as its below -25 I start plugging in my battery blanket as well.

so in a nutshell your van could be brand new off the assembly line and below -15 not plugged in it wont like starting. I have gotten my van going not plugged in down to about -25, but the batteries are in good shape to be able to sustain long cranking, but I would not recommend that unless you are in a real pinch. Its not good for the engine. A block heater is a must, works well to below -30, and a battery blanket is a must for anything below -25 i would say.

one other observation, below -30 block and batteries plugged in, the van barely has enough jam to crank and start. Going to have to look at a trickle charger I guess

Hope this helps

EDIT: Winter diesel is cut with kerosene, for anti gelling. So don't bother adding gas to your fuel. you may run the risk of wrecking junk. Most fuel places should tell you what kind of winter diesel they run

[drrod]

Just thinking a bit about your problem.........are you sure your block heater is working? Maybe it is not working properly or has come unplugged right at the block.

Other things to consider:
- change to 5-30 synthetic oil
- cycle the glow plugs 2 or 3 times before trying to start
- and has already been mentioned, put a maintenance type charger on it.

Been fortunate with our van. Good block heater, charger, oil, etc and it starts as soon as you hit the key, even at -30 or colder.

[L300Foca]

Just thinking a bit about your problem.........are you sure your block heater is working? Maybe it is not working properly or has come unplugged right at the block.

Other things to consider:
- change to 5-30 synthetic oil
- cycle the glow plugs 2 or 3 times before trying to start
- and has already been mentioned, put a maintenance type charger on it.

Been fortunate with our van. Good block heater, charger, oil, etc and it starts as soon as you hit the key, even at -30 or colder.

Same issue on my delica. New battery, everything OK, but it seams like alternator doesn't enough power - NO

Oil in my van is usual 15-40 and it is treat oil, especially when outside temperature is below -10 C!
So, best solution is to change with 5 -30 syntetic !
Ill let you know, as soon as I do the change!

[SRCgw]

I got an oil change to 0-30, and an 850 CCA battery swapped for the deep cycle. It now starts after sitting for a few hours not plugged in; thanks to everyone who replied!