[Vwdiesel] Starting a diesel ---- ( out in the cold )

[Val Christian]

Gang,

Just a few cold WX starting techniques I've had luck with:

Aircraft preheater in intake manifold when cranking.

Propane torch to oil pan, circular heating, to heat uniformly.

Heat lamps/halogen lamps, in sheltered garage.

Acetylene torch into intake manifold when cranking in the field,
where other options don't exist.  The idea is like the aircraft
preheater, in that you're introducing warm air.

24V to starter switcher, for cold WX starting only.

Fiddle with cold start and throttle.  Avoid full "throttle" starts,
as compression seems to drop with fuel saturation.

Increase tolulene content of fuel.  Helps clear injectors for
better spray.  Injector cleaner might work as well.

Push/pull the car with tractor for continued cranking.  Pulling
in 2nd with my diesel tractor got one tired old car running 
in sub zero.  You could measure the temp, but how far down the 
driveway one had to tow.  Doesn't work well with snow and 
ice on driveway.  My driveway is long, but this could be 
problematic on short driveways.

Apply battery charger, on lower setting to glowplugs, for an
extended period of time, not at full voltage.  I don't have 
much experience with this, as it was a new technique I'm developing,
and all my cars start just fine presently.

Preheat waxy fuel in fuel filter, and gently heat injector pump
with propane torch prior to starting.  BTW, the spark ignition, 
"turbo torch" propane torches work best.

Bring fuel for car indoors over cold night, replace in car 
in the morning.  Haven't had to do this recently, but years ago
the fuel was much crappier (or better if you're Hagar) and had
much more wax in it.

Move car battery into house for sub-zero F nights.  Works find on
older Rabbits without any electronics.  Warm battery can be
trickled in the house, and comes outside all warm and ready for
action.

Ether, but only with good battery.  Not generally advisable, but well
promoted at the parts stores.

Block heater (only had one one car, and tractor, of course).  Carry
long extension, and have mechanical timer.  Inline cooling hose heaters
work but I don't like them.

Park at top of long hill.  Glowplug and use the starter to get the
car rolling, shift to second, let out the clutch, and wait.  Did this
quite a flew times, but not every place someone would travel to has
a parking lot at the top of a long hill.

Park car towards 10am sun, open hood at 9am, and wait for a clear day.
Admit to doing this, also.  (Ask Hagar what kind of paint to absorb maximal
radiant solar energy.)

There are probably other tricks that I've tried, or combinations and variations
of these tricks.  The fundamental rules are: oxygen, fuel, ignition.  In
winter, ignition and to a lesser extent, fuel, are the issues.  Oxygen gets
better due to denser air.  Ignition is enhanced with more baseline 
starting heat, higher crank speeds, etc.

Stay warm.

Val










> 
> Kevin Jack  the total cold weather experience in this group
> is staggering.     So pay attention.
> 
> 71 winters qualifies me to say a few things.   I am now in my
> diesel NIRVANA so all these problems are just play and fun for me.
> However I was a street parker at one time -- Ottawa and Montreal.
> 
> Read archives,  and next time you shut down drain oil. Then fill with
> 0 W 30  or a full synthetic.    And install a "fresh" battery.
> 
> In Montreal you can get anything you need.     Inverter and use existing
> block heater ?,   nah     there are far better ways at hand.
> 
> Here is what gets a diesel going   fast turning starter. High cetane =
> number
> get a bottle of improver.Advanced timing.
> 
> Stay away from starting fluid or be sorry.        More later.            =
>  Hagar.         =20
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