Diesel Engine Question

[dynasim]

By the way, the truck runs nicely now, and has about 150000 miles on it. It is likely I will keep it a long time.

Chris

 

[rsewill]

The dealer claims to have just changed the oil (and what is on the dipstick looks new), I am planning to go to synthetic at the first oil change.

Usually the oil in a Diesel will look new for about five or ten minutes, if that.

 

[tlbuser]

You need to let it warm up some. This is common in diesel engines. I run 15W40 in both of my 6.0L Fords with great results. I would not put anything other unless its a 5W40 Synthetic.

As for the sluggishness the injectors are hydraulic driven by oil pressure. Its really a neat design because it will not allow the engine to run without oil pressure but has caused some issues with oil leak by and foaming in the oil. The foaming issue has or should have been by all major oil companies but when I first got my 04 Rotella was awful and all guys would run was Delvac or Dello along with Motorcraft (Ford) oil.

Try letting it warm up a bit and see how this changes things.

Chris

Oh, please. If it where anything other than a ford you would be calling it junk.


After a reasonable warmup period (~1-5 minutes) it should be ok. Otherwise, there are a couple things that come to mind ie controller, pump, turbo(s). I would get it checked out. Any way to "borrow" another one for comparison? Used truck test drive ?

 

[Dmace]

Oh, please. If it where anything other than a ford you would be calling it junk.

Ha ha! I can see it now. "Oh, your GM/Dodge diesel is sluggish when cold? Yeah my buddies all have to wait 30 mins for their trucks to warm up but my TWO Ford diesels warm up by towing 50k lb yachts uphill both ways!"

 

[Diamondpilot]

Grow up both of you. Starting up any diesel and going strait to work is never a good idea. It does not matter if its in a truck or tractor. I dont do this with my cars but on my diesel stuff I have always let them warm up till the temp gauge starts to move and when I shut down I wait about 30 seconds to let the turbo spool down.

Chris

 

[ericher69]

We have a converted ambulance (HazMat rig) at work with 374k

2004 6.0 Powerstroke

While checking last week noticed same thing as you are describing

After start up on high idle if I hit the throttle it was very sluggish to respond. Tried it in drive towing a 10,000 lbs tandem enclosed trailer and very slow

After about 10 minutes of high idle seemed to spool up quick and respond much better.

Don't know the cause

Will ask mechanic at work

 

[tlbuser]

Grow up both of you. Starting up any diesel and going strait to work is never a good idea. It does not matter if its in a truck or tractor. I dont do this with my cars but on my diesel stuff I have always let them warm up till the temp gauge starts to move and when I shut down I wait about 30 seconds to let the turbo spool down.

Chris

That's why I said to wait ~1-5 minutes. Waiting until you have good oil pressure and air (if equipped) should be all that's necessary. On the flip side, if the fire trucks and ambulances waited until they "warm up till the temp gauge starts to move", would you be surprised to see them on the news?

P.S. I'm gonna tell my mom you were mean to me.

 

[tlbuser]

Ha ha! I can see it now. "Oh, your GM/Dodge diesel is sluggish when cold? Yeah my buddies all have to wait 30 mins for their trucks to warm up but my TWO Ford diesels warm up by towing 50k lb yachts uphill both ways!"

You got me in trouble

 

[Dmace]

You got me in trouble

 

[sparc]

That's why I said to wait ~1-5 minutes. Waiting until you have good oil pressure and air (if equipped) should be all that's necessary. On the flip side, if the fire trucks and ambulances waited until they "warm up till the temp gauge starts to move", would you be surprised to see them on the news?

P.S. I'm gonna tell my mom you were mean to me.

Which is probably why they keep them plugged in and warm, so they are hot to trot out of the gate.