cold start on c7 330hp

[ninos]

Hi everyone, my 2006 discovery with a cat c7 330HP is taking a while to start in the cold weather of new jersey 23 degrees this morning, so i turned the key and waited for the light to go out and I did it again right after because it is so cold here, after i star cranking it takes about six or eight seconds of cranking before the engine actually starts and when it starts the first second or two it sounds like its runing rough and it semokes a little for about five seconds or so, I'm thinking that this may be normal because it is so cold and I didn't even had the block heater on, what are you guys experiencing out there in that same cold wheater, thanks for taking the time for reading the thread. Joe

[bdpreece]

Sounds normal to me. Last year with my 04 Cat 350 when it was down to about 20 degrees I if it didn't catch right away I would cycle the pre heat and try again. After starting if I did not let it warm up it would stumble pretty bad on take off. Did not have a problem if I used the block heater for a couple of hours before starting.

[ninos]

Hey, BDpreece thanks a lot for that input that makes me feel better, but so many cat engines out there and no one as made a coment on this thread. Joe

[1ciderdog]

I also think it normal for cold weather. It takes a few seconds of running to level out and also white exhaust smoke.

[bdpreece]

I really don't think this is just related to a Cat engine. I have not experienced the cold with my new rig but expect it to act the same. diesel's don't like the cold. In fact if it really gets cold you will need an anti jell for your fuel if you want to go.

[bdpreece]

Actually the pathetic thing is you are getting all you cold weather responses from the NW. Most of the time we think of cold weather as 47 degrees and rain.

[ninos]

Here in NJ it can get brutal cold so far the coldest was about 18 degrees but it can go to the single digits. Joe

[movin-on]

Turn on your block heater for a couple of hours before you start it...

[MaverickBBD]

Turn on your block heater whenever the temperature is below fifty degrees. The amount of time prior to start should be determined by how far below fifty. I remember seeing a chart with length of time for pre heat based on temperature but can't off hand remember where. It may have been in the Cat. manual.

I watch my engine very closely when it is below normal operating temps. I have noticed that if I really throw the r.p.m.s to it when it is in the 140 to 160 degree range I can throw a cloud (really more like a puff) of 'blue' smoke. It only happens once when passing through that temp. range.

Remember the ignition temp of diesel is 190 to 210 range. So the closer the engine gets to that the less hard it has to work with heat of compression to get the diesel to fire.

Your situation sounds 'normal'.

[GG1]

Always use the engine block heater when the temp drops down, as long as you have access to electric. The difference is like night and day your engine will think its summer and fire right up.

[swjtlongdriv]

I just purchased a bank repo 2002 Allure with the 330. I did lots of checking on the coach and everything looks great. Only problem is there are very few manuals. Question is, where or how can i find the engine block heater? Also, any other recommendations on cold weather traveling. I don't think I have the hot water system so I planned on running the furnace to keep basement from freezing. Any advice?

[movin-on]

Assuming you have a Cat 3126e with 330 hp, the block heater is located on the drivers side of the engine just ahead of the oil filter in place of a freeze plug...It plugs into a 120v outlet somewhere on your coach...I have a switch in my Horizon to turn it on an off...