Help Needed cold start and 6.0 problems

[jc dogs]

ok lets see if this post works on the 3rd try... 05' having multiple problems:
truck is faltering when 1/4 tank or less shown on gauge and or digital idiot mileage readout says 60 miles to empty. Stalled out in a crosslight with "50" miles to empty and supposedly 1/8 tank left and one more time. Had the truck since day one and had never ran out as the thing will stumble and sputter a bit when it is REAL low.... "cold" start problems: past 3 weeks hard turn over thing is coughing and sputtering for 5-10 seconds when it finally starts, this is usually if it has been sitting over night and the winter temps here are mild (18-38). So I change both fuel filters, go back to Royal Purple, wash/clean my Air raid intake filter and run some Diesel 911 and some injector cleaner thru a couple of tanks and not much improvement. Thinking maybe glow plugs or injectors as they have never been changed (188k) . Had new oil pump installed 50k ago and had the oil/egr cooler/head gasket ream job done @ Ford @ 156$$$$$$$. note when turning ignition on before starting it sounds like it is taking about 10 seconds for the fuel pump under drivers seat to stop pumping?? So there is no error codes on the Edge tuner and I am below avg. wrenching skills and not making any real money anymore to keep runnin it in (read residential construction) . Everyone knows the 6.0 is a cold dog but never had this on my 03 or my 05 to this extent.. any help. oh while I was online (45 min.) i left keys in ignition in on position and dead bats. Both were replaced 18 mo. with new Motorcraft. and I checked the charging 1 week ago it was reading 13.8 volts. time to wait for wife to get home from work to jump it yeah!!

[DaveBen]

The 6.0 likes 5W 40 oil in the winter. My stuck starts much easier with it now. Your batteries may be on the last legs, or have you replaced BOTH of them? And jc.

Dave

[jc dogs]

Dave. Thanks and I did change both batteries at the same time. My factory ones lasted 5 years and the same OEM replacement 18 mo.?? Got to get em load tested I guess. 15-40 is what I always run out here so that's covered. I'm looking at a recent post by a guy with similar problems and I will use that info for some reference.... in the mean time

[BIG JOE]

Running-Charging Voltage should be: 14.5 volts ?

Un-hook the Batts*, let them set overnight..to disapate any Surface charge, then get a static volt reading from each one. Compare. Then Load test each battery.. Post back what you find ? (if you like).

Yer call, but in the Winter, I never let the Fuel Level get below a halfa tank ?



Joe

On edit: *Clean up Posts & Clamps while yer at it.

[DaveBen]

Originally Posted by jc dogs

Dave. Thanks and I did change both batteries at the same time. My factory ones lasted 5 years and the same OEM replacement 18 mo.?? Got to get em load tested I guess. 15-40 is what I always run out here so that's covered. I'm looking at a recent post by a guy with similar problems and I will use that info for some reference.... in the mean time

I think you missed what I said about the oil. 5W 40 and not 15W 40 for cold weather. Mine starts great now that I switched. It is the second number in the oil weight that is the running (hot) factor and the first is the cold start weight.

Dave

[egregg57]

Originally Posted by DaveBen

I think you missed what I said about the oil. 5W 40 and not 15W 40 for cold weather. Mine starts great now that I switched. It is the second number in the oil weight that is the running (hot) factor and the first is the cold start weight.

Dave

I agree went 5W-40 and didn't look back. Truck likes it alot. It has been just below 0 degrees farenheit here in New Hamsphire over the last few days. No issues starting here.

Have you done a fuel pressure spring upgrade?

[jc dogs]

ok Yes the Royal is a 15-40.... The same as the Delo in it before it started choking dont feel like throwing out $200 in oil after 500 mi. on it.... Gotta check the glow plugs/control module it sounds like..

[egregg57]

Originally Posted by jc dogs

ok Yes the Royal is a 15-40.... The same as the Delo in it before it started choking dont feel like throwing out $200 in oil after 500 mi. on it.... Gotta check the glow plugs/control module it sounds like..

I wouldn't want to throw it out either. $200 is a lot of money in oil. 4 gallon jugs of Rotella T-6 5W-40 would go for around 80 bucks. It is synthetic and requires a 5K mile change out.

No need to change the oil filter, would it be too radical to drain the current oil, save it (500 miles on it), till summer and put it back in when spring / summer arrives, just short cycle it?

I am not sure that is a great idea or not, I can't think of any reason why you couldn't do that though.

Additionally knowing your batteries are up to snuff is good, have you checked your battery grounds for good clean connections, no build up on your battery terminals? FICM voltage good? Are you using a block heater, winter formula Diesel Kleen when you fill up?

Just some suggestions.

Eric