Cold weather starting

[sweeney153]

The HF infread thermometer said the engine was 17F.
I am sure you will be supprised to hear it didn't start.
I don't want to use ether so I plugged in the heater that
is installed on the bus. POP it blew the gfi. It Looks to be
the kind screwed into the bottom of the block.
I guess I need to replace it ( would have been smart to do when it was 80F).
On line I have read about all different kinds mats, immersion(I think this is what I have)

What do you guys recommend for a Detroit 8v71? I want to move it before the snow flies.

Thanks

Kevin

Sweeney153

[Red Rider]

FWIW, the "block heater" in my 8V71 sound exactly like what you have. So far it works just fine. Ours is a 1500W heater and I bought it over the counter at a local truck supply house.

[buswarrior]

Check the power cord for continuity between the wires.

Some unplug at the engine end.

They live a horrible life, maybe it'll be that easy?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[sweeney153]

Update

I plugged it into a non GFI outlet and it works. Ill try it again wed when I have more time. How long should it take to heat it up?

Kevin

Sweeney153

[buswarrior]

Conduct a trial with your IR gun.

Plug it in, and check back every 30 minutes.

Lots of people plug in longer than they have to, which is no good if you are paying for the power!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[TomC]

One way to start with no ether is to start it from the back.  What you do is to turn on the ignition then hold the stop lever on the governor closed with your finger.  While holding the stop lever closed, hit the starter switch and hold the starter on.  Count to 5 with engine turning over and slowly release the stop lever on the governor and the engine just comes up to speed.  This works because the stop lever also retards the timing on the injectors making for easier starting when cold.  I have used this many times.  Good Luck, TomC

[Bill B /bus]

8V71 - having had to start in subzero weather I plugged the block heater in for about two hours. That brought the block temp up to about 60-80 degrees. Just warm to the touch. The engine started just fine. I disengaged the clutch with a block of wood so I could start from the back. Tom C's idea of holding the governor to the off/shutdown position sounds good.

For the Series 50 - about an hour on the block heater seems to do it. Oil is still too cold so I roll on the starter with the computer off. That takes some of the chill out of the oil. Then start the engine rolls over and starts easily. With the Webasto run the circ pump for a half hour with the block heater and you're starting with at least a 90 degree water temp.

Bill

[DMoedave]

Hey Kevin! Long time since gathering around the campfire. 2-3 hours and she should fire right up. Watch the cord as she can get pretty hot. Hi to Kathy and super dog!