[Gravehunter]

I've got a 95 4x4 with 4cyl manual.

Do these trucks turn over slow normally. I know thats an impossible thing to answer over the net so i'll give my senerio to maybe help out to see if my truck is normal.

When it gets cold here like it is now my truck barley starts in the mornings. Its never failed to start but everyday its below 10 degrees or so it turns over so slow i'm always amazed it starts. Tonight is going to be -10 and i seriously wonder if its going to start in the morning.

I've got a new 800 CCA battery in it that made no difference at all over the old battery that i could tell. I'm thinking maybe the starter is weak as i think it is the original one.(180,000 miles).

Just trying to get an idea if this is normal for these trucks in these cold temps or if my starter is old and weak.
This morning was 0 degrees and i'd swear this thing could not turn over any slower and still start. but turns over fine once warm or in warmer temps.
Oil is 5W-30 in the pan.

I was told these trucks turn over slow and a mech said it was "fine" a while back but it was warmer then.
I just don't want to spend the money for starter and instal just to find out this is normal.
The place i work for is going out of business Feb 1st.. so trying to save money if i can.

As a side question and since its cold as a MF outside: are the oil pans one this engine steel or alum? Thinking of adding oil pan heater to help things out for now.

 

[Gravehunter]

Well i just got a $15 dip stock heater to get me by till i can find a new job. I didn't know those existed. Thanks for the info.

I just run 5W-30 in the winter months to help cold start engine wear then i go back to 10W-40 for the rest of the months.

Sounds like its probably a weak starter then, thanks for the help!!
I'll get it replaced ASAP.

Any advice on starters? Parts Store rebuilds or new ok? Only certain ones? internet ones? Factory only?
I live in a very rural area and the only parts stores within 90 miles to me are: Car Quest, Napa, and Orilies.

 

[Gravehunter]

Well i'm going to go with a Car Quest rebuilt starter since they are also a reputable repair shop in my area. Unless anyone thinks that is a really bad idea. With my discount there its $114 for the starter. Or a new one for $167.

 

[Gravehunter]

I would say your starter is getting old and there is probably high resistance in its fields... You should also be using a good 0W-30 in weather that cold. Also, I would go with a new factory starter since that lasted how long again???

I've never seen any oil around here that says 0W-30. Just 5W-30 and a straight 30wt. Or does straight 30 weight mean its 0W-30?

I may price a factory starter but i'm sure its crazy high priced. The engine may last another 180,000 but the truck won't. The frame will be junk by then. I've got places now i need to patch in the frame. These thin little frames are not very good for cold weather areas. Plus i just won't keep the truck that long either.
I found the previous owner covered up alot of frame rot with undercoating spray. rrrrr....

Someone let me know on the oil question above if you know, i need to change oil again anyway.