Diesel - Winter starting

[Squash]

My HZ79L had a hard time starting yesterday, it was -30C.

Plugged in with block heater and turned over well but did not fire.

Problem was water in the fuel line preventing fuel from reaching combustion chambers. Finally after pumping and trying with the help of a second unit and booster cables fuel ran and she started like a champ.

Keep your fuel tank topped off and have some fuel conditioner handy.

 

[83bj60]

Thanks for your feedback on my original post..really useful.
Moved to synthetic oil with some improvement.
Found a Land Cruiser mechanic in the meantime here in St John's who used to work at Toyota in the 80s with some good insight.

Opted for 6 fresh glow plugs - 14.5V (the old ones were definitely not in good shape)
Also two fresh Delco marine deep-cycle batteries that can handle the current draw.
Optimas were not available but seemed like a nice option.
Notice more power already.
-10C overnight tonight and first night without the block heater plugged in so will be a good test for the prognosis in the AM.

With about 500K km, compression may also be an issue slowing the cold-weather starting.
An engine rebuild is likely in the works in the next few years.

Will consider the other cold-start options down the road, before moving further North...

Great move, Pascal. Synthetic oil will make the engine turn faster when cold. The marine deep cycle are a definite advantage for cranking more than a few seconds, and they are more robust for prolonged discharge. Glow plugs can wear and their heat can consequently be reduced. Low compression will also make starting harder. Also worn injectors.

You're on the right track. Just hope your glow plugs are the proper voltage for your setup...

 

[Squash]

Good call, but hard to drain water at -30.

The HZj is a mine truck

Best to do this before problems arise.
Another suspect is our above ground fuel tank which is filled 2-3 times per week at 14,000 liters per fill up, a little water with each fill combined with condensation adds up.

 

[Pascal]

Started like a charm this AM! (with -10C overnight) No hesitation...almost like a summer start.
Very reassuring. 14.5V volt plugs I think is the way to go, will find out more on the rationale..

I have a very toxic looking can of Kleen-Flo Diesel Fuel Conditioner from a few weeks ago.
Squash - do you recommend adding it to the fuel on an as-needed basis or do you add it to your tank on every fill-up in the winter?