Cold start upgrades

[Big Bore]

New trucks start much easier when cold and dont even need plugging in sub zero. I've done the heavy duty GPR, got the good GP's, full syn etc etc. Plugging in is not an option, I'm off grid. I'm thinking of playing around with an intake heater and cold start tunes. Anyone seen or done this?

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

Never did an intake heater. The 7.3 start surprisingly well if everything is fresh.

 

[ToMang07]

I removed the intake heater back in the day, I found it to be useless, really just for making the exhaust look cleaner. Strong batteries and healthy glow plugs.... and quality oil.... made way more difference than anything else. I'd definitely run a good anti-gel as well.

 

[DEEZUZ]

300k miles, original injectors.
Denso starter
5w40
Stancor relay and motorcraft glow plugs.

No issues starting when in negatives for days, not plugged in..

 

[Big Bore]

I removed the intake heater back in the day, I found it to be useless, really just for making the exhaust look cleaner. Strong batteries and healthy glow plugs.... and quality oil.... made way more difference than anything else. I'd definitely run a good anti-gel as well.

Yes the factory AIH is useless. I was thinking more like the Cummins heater. The factory AIH wasn't used for starting, it was for smoke reduction when idling.

 

[KBMKVIII]

Gear reduction starter would be high on my list

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

Gear reduction starter would be high on my list

I really like mine! What a difference it makes.

Bigger battery cables as well. I plan on converting mine to use 1000CCA commercial batteries.

 

[Charles]

A functional 7.3 does not need to be plugged it. Should fire immediately.

As for the idea of improvements to cold running..... B-code nozzle VOP. I don't even wait to start anymore in normal temps, no matter how long it's been sitting. It just cranks immediately.

Make sure your program has plenty of cranking icp and pw. A worn set of injectors will eat pw

 

[NotThatGuy]

Just a suggestion ...
I would check that the injector armature clearance is .004" and injector solenoid clearance is .005" on all injectors. The injector poppet values have a tendency to wear over time and lower the clearance. Clearances below .003" will cause the cold oil to not allow the injectors to fire properly due to sticking. Even in relatively warm weather this issue can cause prolonged cold start times.

Solutions include new injectors, or shimming both the injector armature AND solenoid to attain the proper clearances.
NOTE: Checking the injector armature & solenoid clearance can be done with the injectors installed in the engine, but will require an in/lb torque wrench for reassembly.