Cummins common rail + cold weather = amazing

[charger_fan_4ever]

Long time cummins owner here
Previously owned

96 CCLB 4x4 5 speed with pump mods and adv timing
97 CCLB 4x4 auto bone stock
01 QCSB 4x4 6 speed HO
99 QCLB 4x4 auto
97 powerjoke 4x4 ECLB 4x4 auto  

Currently 04.5 4x4 QCSB 6 speed HO

both 24V's i had started really well no stumbles down to about -20C without being pluged in 15w-40 oil
They would start colder than that unplugged but would need a couple cycles of the grids.
the 97 with pump mods 2 cycles of the grids and pedal it would start up smokey and need to hold the pedal down for 30 seconds or so. The stock 97 with no timing adv had a harder time starting. It would start at -20C but rough. I loved the mechanical 12v's but in the winter the computer controlled 24v made for easier starts.

My current 04.5 is like a 3rd rig. Most of the winter i leave the plow hooked to it and it sits. I took it to work monday am. When i woke up in the am -29C without the windchill yikes. I mean i don't know if this thing even has a block keater as never needed it lol. Put 2 new batteries in november.

Went out i said will cycle grids twice. Nope must be a sensor as second attempt the grids flashedfor maybe a second unlike the older 24'v and p pump trucks. Hit the key insta start no stumble nothing. 15-40 rotella in it to boot i can only imagine how thick the oil must have been.

It started better than my wifes 2010 corolla with 50k on it and my dodge has almost 350k with original injectors.

Too many doo dads on the common rail truck, but i will give itprops it starts like no other diesel i have seen.

[Scaregrabber]

Yep: I love my 05, it doesn't MPG like the older trucks but it's great in all other areas.

Sheldon

[Shakey]

I had a 2012 Ram 2500 for a while and loved it.

Remote start with the heated seats and steering wheel were really nice in the winter months!

Really loved that truck! 

[charger_fan_4ever]

Yep: I love my 05, it doesn't MPG like the older trucks but it's great in all other areas.

Sheldon

Yup agreed.

I have a 5 inch magnaflow turbo back and a custom air intake pipe from the air box still doesn't get the mileage. Close but no cigar.

Best mileage was the cranked up 12v with easy right foot.

[Todd Wilson]

Your 2004.5 has a block heater. It may need the plug in pig tail and those can be bought cheap and simply plugged in.  My 2005 handles the cold with no troubles at all.  You want a bear in the winter try an old Chevy 6.2!   


Todd

[RECHRGD]

Love my 04.5 4x4 2500.  I've only put 96K on it in 11 years.  I'm sure it will outlast me......

[Bandit72]

my ol beater is a 92 d250 cummins / 5 speed hovering right around 500k miles. I never plug it in and as long as I start it daily it is fine. If it sits for awhile I put a battery tender on it and that keeps the battery up to snuff enough to whip her over...I can definitely see why they went to dual batteries in 93...as long as mine will crank over she'll start!

[charger_fan_4ever]

Your 2004.5 has a block heater. It may need the plug in pig tail and those can be bought cheap and simply plugged in.  My 2005 handles the cold with no troubles at all.  You want a bear in the winter try an old Chevy 6.2!   


Todd

I actually opened the hood and dug around and found the cord lol. Calling for -30C most of the week. Even though i know it will start i feel bad with 15w40 in there. Im sure a -25 cold start not plugged in puts more wear on the engine than driving it 1000 miles.

Back in the day my brother and i both had 6.2's. My brothers would start really well in the cold. Mine not so much.

[lukedukem]

I plug mine in If it's below 50 I plug it in on a timer. Two hours before work. Mainly for the heater to blow warm air when I get in it but also to minimize the wear on it.

Luke