Cold weather starting my Cat

[dickschaak]

I have a 400 Cat in my CC. It is only +20 degrees and it turns over quite a bit until it starts. Is there something I should be doing? Can I put a head bolt heater on it? Thanks!

[phays]

I've got a block heater on my 300 cat. Don't you have one?

It is a 110V heater with the switch on my bedroom wall. Anytime it gets to the low 50's I turn it on for about 3 or 4 hours, or longer, before starting the engine.

I think you can turn the key on, wait for the start light to go out, turn off the key and turn it on again. Wait for the light to extinguish and try starting. This will insure that the air preheater has done it's job.

I'm sure someone with more knowledge will jump in here to help.

[sknight]

Any diesel below 50* should have a block heater and it's pretty necessary below freezing. It will start much easier with far less load on the starting system.

If you don't have a block heater it's a worthwhile investment.

[Triker56]

I wouldn't think CC would build a MH without a block heater.
Get your Owners manuals, and take a look around. I bet information about it is in there

[kuldaddy]

Also, make sure your plugs are pre-heated before cranking. It is a small coil icon on my dash (both in my p/u and motorhome), mine is a Cummins but a Cat should have the same requirement to pre-heat the plugs. I know I have accidental attempted to start before pre-heating finished and it will just turn over with catching.