Building a 6.2: Compression and Cold Starting?

[AndyL]

I am building a new 6.2 am wonding how 22:1 or 18:1 etc effect cold weather starting? I live in Indiana and some days I am trying to start (without block heater) from work when it is below 0 out. What can I build into this engine that will help on days like that?

[Dieselboy]

Higher compression will allow for easier starting, but as I understand it, if you increase the length of the glow cycle, then starting an 18:1 shouldn't be a problem. Delco 60Gs can run for a long time. John Kennedy hooked one up for 8 hours straight. It didn't swell at all. I think he actually ended up putting that one back on his engine.

You can certainly install a block heater, and it's real easy with the engine on a stand. You can also put on the Morosso heating pads. They glue to the bottom of oil pans, and heat the entire engine from the bottom up. Both run off of regular 110.

[AndyL]

When I am at home it will definatly be plugged in. My concerns were when I am at work without a plug.

[CleviteKid]

Hey Andy,

If your goal is about 250 HP or less, then you are just as well off with the 21:1 compression. It is only when you are shooting for the upper power ranges that the lower compression ratio helps control peak firing pressure, and keeps your heads tightly in contact with the block.

And on those cold days at work, can you go out at lunch time and run the engine for 10 minutes and catch up on the news on the radio? If you pop the hood when you arrive and throw an old quilt over the engine, it will help hold in a lot of the heat, but PLEASE remember to pull the quilt off before you restart it !!

If you are super-serious about going to 18:1 compression but want to be able to start it in the winter, add an ESPAR coolant heater than runs off of diesel fuel. One of our advertisers offers this device at
http://www.lubespecialist.com/espar/espar.htm

Finally, the Project Truck reportedly has no problem starting in Montana winters with just a little extra glow time on the glow plugs. Check out the reports in the Members Area of TheDieselPage.com.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[Old6.2]

Does anyone have personal experience with ceramic coatings? This should reduce heat absorption into the cold piston and head but how much would it help a cold start?