Starting the C7 Cat

[Jestme13]

Gentlemen, I was wondering about the starting procedure of my C7. I turn on the key, then I wait for the preheater light to go out, I then ingage the starter. To me it seems to turn over quite a bit before it lights off, I'm used to a good diesel firing right off, is this just how the new computer engines work ? Or, is it because it is so new ? Thanks

[Jestme13]

Gentlemen, I was wondering about the starting procedure of my C7. I turn on the key, then I wait for the preheater light to go out, I then ingage the starter. To me it seems to turn over quite a bit before it lights off, I'm used to a good diesel firing right off, is this just how the new computer engines work ? Or, is it because it is so new ? Thanks

[siggyd]

My C7,339 HP starts in about 3 seconds after the WAIT light is out. Keep in mind that the C7
needs to build up a certain amount of oil pressure before the injectors a fired---this is a handy safety feature in case you ever lose oil pressure.

[Joe-K]

The HEUI system is exacty why the engines do need to crank for a couple seconds to fire. They use hydraulic energy instead of mechanical energy to operate fuel injectors so you must build oil pressure before the fuel gets injected into the engine.

[Jestme13]

Thanks guys. That makes sense to me. The engine sounded like and started like she had air in the fuel system or was in bad tune. Now I can relax again

[Pusherman]

Another thanks to everyone. My Cat C7 also is slow to ignite. My Cummins on my '00 Journey would ignite almost immediately. I was worried that something was not right with the Cat. It takes about 7-10 seconds to start.

Sounds like it is working as it should.

[Teach]

Hey Steve, how do you like the new ride? Ours was new in July of this year and already have 12,000 miles on it.

[Jestme13]

Hi Gary, we haven't had any wheel time yet, we picked her up the dat before thanksgiving and stayed close to home camping. we leave this thursday for St Aug . I'll stretch her out on I 95 for a couple of K.

[Teach]

Have a great trip, enjoy the sun and report back on the RV.

[afrank1971]

You learn something new everyday. My C7 in an 07 Journey also takes a few seconds to start. Good to know it's all normal.
Thanks,
Alan

[Pusherman]

Hi Alan --

Another learning for both of us regarding cranking time.

Boy, you sure have a good looking coach there!

[afrank1971]

That's funny, I was thinking the same thing Don, that sure is one nice looking coach you've got as well!

PS: Good to hear you've got your steering issues sorted ou!

[polkatronron]

Well my C7 does the same.. You need to crank it to get it up and running. Just so you know, I live in Saskatchewan and this winter we went to Arizona in January. My coach was outside all winter and I plugged the block heater in for 6 hours and started that baby just like summer time...by the way I forgot to mention the temp that day was MINUS 36 with a wind chill bringing the temp to MINUS 46...It was Minus 40 the morning we left. These new engines really are made for all seasons.

[Teach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...by the way I forgot to mention the temp that day was MINUS 36 with a wind chill bringing the temp to MINUS 46... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wow!! I would have trouble getting my body started in weather like that. No wonder you headed for Arizona. It's good to know the Kitty Cat can handle temps like that. Were you using #2 diesel? Winter blend?