What's the coldest temp you started your TDI in ?

While I've seen -30 in past winters, so far -18 and this motor started right up though it labored a bit for a minute. My Maine dealer said I wouldn't need a block heater with this motor. "Just wait until the light turns off"
He's been right so far.

What's your thoughts ?

It wasn't my TDI, but I was in a TDI in Finland when it started right up at about 45 below or so. That was -45C (-49F).

Yes, it had a block heater, everyone has them there.
-BB

Manny,
Dealer is correct, although there are many reasons to get one. If you use the search tool, there are several threads on this. Here's a good one.

Need one? No. Does your engine benefit from having one? I say yes. Even in 30f ambient, it's nice to have coolant at 105-115f. at start-up. Less strain on the engine, and on the MPG, as well!

The coldest temp I started my TDI in ? 50f Thats San Diego Baby!

these new gen diesels arent fazed by the cold like the old one were. THey will start without any issue well into temps that would have been a major issue for old generations so this thread is kind of pointless.

you dont HAVE to have a block heater but they are great for comfort and increasing mpg right off the bat. i had one on my old tdi and if i end up with another tdi, i will certainly add one. they sure wont hurt the engine anyway. if you regularly see subzero temps, id pick one up just for the comfort factor.

About 68 degrees, of course I live in Florida

24F

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIgmun4GmmY

That is very cold for here (south Louisiana) typically 30f is lowest for the year.

The issue we should be most concerned about here is diesel gelling---not the block temperature. The block itself is pretty resilient. The fuel on the other hand...that's a different story if you don't use any de-gellers.

physicshogon said:

The issue we should be most concerned about here is diesel gelling---not the block temperature. The block itself is pretty resilient. The fuel on the other hand...that's a different story if you don't use any de-gellers.

Click to expand...

Or if you don't know what the current gel point of the fuel you buy is set at. Truck stops usually know what temps their fuel will gel at, around here i've never had an issue with gelled fuel.

Does anyone know what the recommended temperature is before adding de-geller? CT has been pretty warm this year so far but I have't seen a hard number anywhere.
Thanks in advance.
Ed

Tragick said:

Does anyone know what the recommended temperature is before adding de-geller? CT has been pretty warm this year so far but I have't seen a hard number anywhere.
Thanks in advance.
Ed

Click to expand...

I'll bet someone has the specifics, but each state has a required minimum gelling temp based on date, to get an actual number you would have to check out that chart (has been posted here in the past) and make a decision based on month/ state/ temperature.
As a rule, I'd say SIGNIFICANTLY colder than average for the place where you filled up. The biggest worry I'd have is things like refueling in the south, then driving north (our cars can drive the majority of the USA in north / south direction) in to a winter storm, or fill ups that last 3 months.

Started my car Sunday in an unexpected 24 Deg (coolant temp) morning at a TDI buddies house significantly north of mine, car fired up instantly, much more quickly than my video from several years ago. Differences since then are numerous, Different transmission / starter, Timing belt job, Lift pump, Tune, and tons more that I doubt would make any difference.

Hard to say what temp. I don't bother until ~10* forecasted, with one exception: your fuel tank will accumulate condensation throughout the warm season, so best to prepare for the first cold snap with a couple tanks with additive. My gelling incident back in 2008 happened on the first cold snap. Like many, I felt a known good fuel source is sufficient insurance. Lesson learned. Glad I keep a spare filter in the trunk.