Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
Even though at a first glance it might seem logical to decrease the load on the engine while starting, the relatively higher electrical demand not only due to the starter which needs to be beefier in order to overcome the higher compression in a Diesel but also the heating elements required to ensure the cold start ability becomes a matter of concern. No wonder Diesel versions of older trucks had dual batteries while the gasser versions had a single one. I also remember some trucks fitted with an externally-mounted battery under a flatbed, which was an usual mod in my country in order to allow fitting a larger battery which couldn't be placed inside the engine bay.
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My dad put in a heavy equipment battery in a gas truck he built, 70's era v8 olsmobile engine, direct drive starter. He loved the massive battery and no concern of running low on charge while starting. Something like the link below is what he had. The physical size was about 3 normal car batteries. I'm half tempted to mount one of those behind the cab under the box just for the insurance of having no problems starting the truck in winter. I'm pretty sure I saw one somewhere for around $170 vs $185 retail for a stock style Interstate. The coldest nights here would be quite a challenge to start, but the block heater should make things a lot easier.
https://www.seamar.com/item/ISB4DXHD/BATTERY-4D-12V/
The older trucks had dual batteries too, but the glow plugs are something like 160-180 amps and takes 30-60secs+ to heat the engine enough to start in cold weather. Ironically, these trucks have an exhaust brake that restricts the exhaust flow to help heat the engine quicker.
I had a chance to scan my good truck yesterday, only one code stored for the TPS. It might be flagging because of the boost leak though (fairly poor throttle response), on the scanner, the readings seemed fine in live data mode.