Starting a Cold-Soaked Cummings ISL 400

[Guardsman]

Here in Orange VA the nighttime temperatures have been close to zero F for over a week, last night it reached -4Ft. I will need to fill up the fuel tank this week. My question is this, how long should I let the Aqua Hot warm the engine before starting it?

I look forward to some sage advice from the forum members.

[96 Wideglide]

AH burning diesel, or electric element?

Burning diesel I'd say about 3 hours. Electric, much longer.

[JohnBoyToo]

do you not have a "Wait to start" dash light to tell you when it's ok to start the engine ? just turn the key and watch the dash light works for us !

I've started ours in the tens without any assistance from the engine heater or aqua hot... the glow plugs WILL do it for you, but obviously if you preheat by plugging in the engine block heater or running the aqua hot, it will start OUT warmer

good luck...

and, oh yeah, when you start it, just drive off easy and that's the best way to warm everything up - less idling - better for your rv and your neighbors

[Guardsman]

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

AH burning diesel, or electric element?

Burning diesel I'd say about 3 hours. Electric, much longer.

Yes burning diesel.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Guardsman

Yes burning diesel.

3 or 4 hours even longer won't hurt.

[Guardsman]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

do you not have a "Wait to start" dash light to tell you when it's ok to start the engine ? just turn the key and watch the dash light works for us !

I've started ours in the tens without any assistance from the engine heater or aqua hot... the glow plugs WILL do it for you, but obviously if you preheat by plugging in the engine block heater or running the aqua hot, it will start OUT warmer

good luck...

and, oh yeah, when you start it, just drive off easy and that's the best way to warm everything up - less idling - better for your rv and your neighbors

Yes I do have the wait to start light. My concern was that the oil, which is not synthetic, might be a bit sluggish is getting to the bearing surfaces if the motor's temperature is in the teens.

[CountryB]

Running Aqua-Hot engine pre-heat mode - just wait for the dash temp gauge to show the engine is at 100 degrees F or higher.

[A Traveler]

I know how to start a cold CUMMINS engine.

I’m not familiar with the CUMMINGS brand.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by A Traveler

I know how to start a cold CUMMINS engine.

I’m not familiar with the CUMMINGS brand.

who cares .........everyone knows what the OP was asking ......

[1bigmess]

How about read the manual?

Here's what mine says:

Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold.
When starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to
operating speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to
stabilize as the engine warms up.

If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine
at moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.

Engine Idling
Avoid prolonged idling, long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber
temperatures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, cylinder head valves,
and injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter
the crankcase, diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to
the engine.

[twinboat]

Back in the 70s, I attended a Cummins 855 service class, taught by a guy who probably knew Clessie Cummins.

He said " If you can get it turning 600 RPMs, it will start in any temp".

I've done a few in frame rebuilds on dozer engines. Trust me, the oil doesn't all drip off the parts while sitting for months.

[slickest1]

I been starting them for 40 years in severe cold. These newer engines with the pre heat will start with out harming anything after the wait to start light goes out.

[palehorse89]

Any diesel engine in cold weather will start and sound a whole lot better if the coolant is warm and pre heated before starting..........it is just simply easier on the engine and its component's.
Diesel's are like human's.......they like it warm/hot and do not like cold!

[96 Wideglide]

If I'm already residing in my coach, running the AH to keep warm, all it takes is flipping one switch to pre-heat the engine.

I don't see any good reason not to !