Community Forums

Ggrvusa · 08-17-2011, 09:51 AM

Started my c9 on a cold morning in Breckinridge CO a week ago, and the check engine alarm went off. Looked at the gauges and there was no oil pressure, I guess the pump didn't kick in. I turned off the engine and then tried starting it again, watching the oil pressure gauge. This time the the gauge went up.
Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Skip426 · 08-24-2011, 12:11 AM

I've heard about slow oil pressure build up in cold weather; usually -20 or so; fresh 15/40 oil should be ok down to that temp.Consistant low temps and you need lighter oil. How long did the engine run before the alarm went off ? Pump is all gear driven, but cold oil may have forced the pump pressure by-pass open and held it until you shut down. This may never happen again , but it is something to watch for on cold start up.

336muffin · 08-24-2011, 02:55 AM

I'm curious to know the outside temp and did you use your block heater. Cat's (or any diesel)do not like cool weather start ups.

bulldog1 · 08-24-2011, 03:31 AM

not supposed to start if no oil pressure. Lost my oil pressure going down the road but still kept running an Cat replaced the oil sending unit no problems now

Ggrvusa · 08-25-2011, 03:12 PM

The outside temp was on the low 40's. I didn't have the block heater on. The engine idled rough with lots of smoke. As soon as a realized the gauge showed zero pressure I shut it down. Maybe it was the pressure by/pass valve. I will start using my block heater in cool temps and see if that stops it.

336muffin · 08-25-2011, 07:18 PM

I bet the smoke was white, grey, this is unburnt fuel! Smell of your oil dipstick, if the raw fuel went past the rings on the pistons, you have diesel fuel in the oil. This is typical in cold starts on a large diesel. 50 degrees is my temp that I turn on my block heater the day before I intend to crank the engine. That's MY rule for me. Owning Tracter and trailers taught me this the hard way.