Canadian Hummer Club Forums

I have worked as a GM Diesel Technician for several years and maintained some large fleets and this was always the rule of thumb and we never had any problems. When ever an engine couldn't start, it was normally due to batteries or terminals in poor conditions, a starter that was overdue for a rebuild, or a glow plug circuit that was not up to par. We did several tests at the dealer on a variety of diesels, from GM 6.2L and 6.5L, Duramax and Caterpillar 3126E engines. ALL could start unassisted by a block heater down to -30 after having been left untouched for three days at that temperature. I even took it a step further and on my own diesel I made a goal to not plug in my Diesel AT ALL for the entire winter...that winter had many days below -40 before wind chill (Yes this was a couple of years back!) But I Never Once Failed to Start!!! And no it didn't always start with Gusto, but It always Started!!! Should I have been plugging my diesel in Hell Yes, but did I prove it could be done, Sure Did!



Yes I ran Special Batteries, Yes I ran 1 Gauge battery Cable, Yes I Ran Amsoil Synthetic Oil, Yes I changed my Starter to a Gear Reduction Permanent Magnet Starter, Yes I made sure my glow plugs where in tip top shape, it is doable!



Ideally for you in Winnipeg, You should have three things: Battery Heating Blankets, Coolant Heater That circulates the coolant in the block and an oil pan heater.



An Oil Pan Heater in actually faster and more efficient that a conventional block heater.



I Apologize if I offended you in any way, I just know from experience what is doable...maybe I should've worded my last post differently.



Hope this Helps!



Kev

Lol no need to worry, I wasnt offended in the least. Granted this is my first winter with the 6.5TD, but I did make sure to prepare for it - New batteries, new cables, synthetics all around, and an oil pan heater is next on the docket. I have had success in starting the vehicle in temperatures that I expected to not be able to, but she sure didnt sound 'purdy' when I did, nor did it sound healthy or help the starter (as it took FAR longer cranking to get her started).



Im sure you'd agree that while these motors will start in some unfriendly temperatures, using the supplied coolant heater is not a bad idea to be discouraged from to ensure less strain overall.



In your experience, did you prefer the oil pan heaters that used an adhesive, the magnetic types, or the clamp on style for a truck that goes offroad, and thru all sorts of terrain? I like the fact that the magnetic ones are likely removable, so I can remove them in spring, etc, but Im not sure if theyd hold up as well as the others...

This is the one we commonly used: http://www.wolverineheater.com/



It is a Stick On Permanent type, but remember we did fleets, so for those of us that off-road I would highly encourage a Magnetic Type, but I don't know of one to recommend.



The factory starter is the biggest problem on the H1 for good winter starting, I normally never reinstall the factory one when it kicks the bucket, yes it is sealed but, the gear reduction starter on a regular 6.5L works wonders! It will crank faster, pull less current and tuck up high and out of the way...you will need to rethink the wiring routing since they will not connect to the new starter in the same way as the old, but well worth the time and effort!



Install the coolant heater, it alone it probably the best thing you could ever use, since it heats your H1, inside and out!



For batteries, the stock ones are a measly 625amps each...GO BIGGER!!! Install 1000CCA batteries, I use Odyssey Batteries and they are capable of 1500CCA each!!! Interstate makes some good batteries that fit right in, but you will need to modify the bracket a bit to fit the Odysseys.



By the way don't forget to replace your power steering fluid with synthetic oil as well, this also is rotating friction that has to be overcome! Same goes for your tranny! And you need to change your coolant from a 50/50 mix to a 70/30 mix. I use everything AMSOIL, even the coolant, and yes it makes a HUGE difference.



Hope this helps!!!



Kev

i have those those magnetic pan heaters on all my equipment as well as on the hummer when it was gas LOL there cheap 60 to 80 bucks stick em on plug them in its convinient for a quick fix in the winter

i have those those magnetic pan heaters on all my equipment as well as on the hummer when it was gas LOL there cheap 60 to 80 bucks stick em on plug them in its convinient for a quick fix in the winter

Thanks Guys... I will give them a look...

Block heater was Dead... it has been confirmed.. new one has been installed... now time to work out more gremlins....

[quote name='dwaxman1' timestamp='1295958953' post='24580']

Block heater was Dead... it has been confirmed.. new one has been installed... now time to work out more gremlins....

[/quote]

did you get an aftermarket one or the oem one? Where did you get it? (if you don't mind me asking)

guys the best way to keep your H1 warn ....is ....to ....park it in the garage <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... oflmao.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rotflmao:' /> just my 2 cents <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... oflmao.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rotflmao:' />

[quote name='T.C.' timestamp='1295962211' post='24583']

guys the best way to keep your H1 warn ....is ....to ....park it in the garage <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... oflmao.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rotflmao:' /> just my 2 cents <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... oflmao.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rotflmao:' />

[/quote]

HA HA, I have a two car garage but with two doors!!! I have to fold the mirrors in and then I have about an inch clearance on either side! Sucks! ha ha ha