by Linda Sunkle-Pierucki

Created on: December 30, 2008

Starting a diesel engine in cold weather shouldn't be any harder to do than starting a gasoline engine-IF you have done your homework in advance. Most diesel vehicles built in the last ten to fifteen years start pretty easily. The manufacturers have taken great pains in designing vehicles that start reliably and provide great instructions in the manual for anything that may go wrong.

That said, cold weather diesel starting begins long before cold weather ever rears its ugly head. First, the battery must be in tip-top shape. As diesel fuel is combusted by the compression action of the piston, it takes considerable battery power to turn the crank over to compress the fuel. All batteries lose cranking power when they are cold. This means your battery should be rated at higher "cold crank" amps than the average small car battery. When you buy batteries, you will see the "cold crank' amp rating listed on them somewhere. It's always a good idea to have your local mechanic test your battery in the fall for any possible signs of failure so you can buy a new, strong battery before winter.

While he's check the battery, have him do any general tune-up items that need doing to keep your vehicle in best running condition. In particular, make sure that he replaces your fuel filter if you have one that takes paper filters. Fuel filters have a tendency to pick up water vapor out of the fuel. When it gets really cold, that water vapor may freeze and prevent free fuel flow through it. Have him check out the glow plug-a small heater that preheats fuel before you start your vehicle. You might want to pick up a small can of starting fluid for emergency starts-but never overdo it as it can damage your engine.

Before you head home, fill up with a good quality diesel. Many colder areas of the country have a winter-blended diesel that contains a higher percentage of #1 grade diesel fuel and perhaps some additives to keep it from gelling or forming wax. In the "good old days', old-timers often mixed a percentage of kerosene with diesel fuel to lower the gel point and assure starting. With today's new vehicles burning Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel, it's a better Idea to mix with #1 USLD so that it doesn't damage your vehicle's emission controls.

When you get home, if you have a garage, by all means park in it! Even if it isn't heated, it will stay several degrees warmer than the outside air overnight. If you don't have garage space, think carefully about how to park out of the wind. Wind chill,

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