Plug it in all night, or leave it on a timer?

[therifleman556]

Originally Posted by fonefiddy Any diesel engine won't properly heat up @ 650 RPM's, if You idle the engine @ 1200 You'll get the engine warm in a few mins. I've given that some thought and I was hoping I could come up with what the big rigs have where you can set the cruise control while parked and idle the engine at whatever speed you want. Anyone know how the cruise control module can be fooled into thinking the truck is moving so this could be done? I dont even know where the module is and it doesn't work anyway so I'd have some additional figuring to do...

[ytlogger]

I just block the pedal with a piece of abs pipe to the seat. Any other number of devices will work, the pipe was just handy.

[therifleman556]

I was hoping for something not so redneck.

[archangel]

An old solenoid from a carb set at the right length would work.
I think they called it a fast idle solenoid.
You would just flip the switch on the dash and it would push or pull the throttle lever enough to do it.
Mount it near the FIPL.

[fonefiddy]

There's a way to wire the High Idle Solenoid to a switch. It's listed over at OB.net

I must be redneck, cause I just use the abs pipe to the seat method

[Dave Sponaugle]

You could wire the fast idle solenoid for manual control, just supply 12 volts to the terminal on it with a manual switch.

Then adjust the solenoid to give the desired RPM.

Back in the 80's the semi's used manual throttle cables to keep the RPM higher or solenoids that were preset to a specific RPM.

With the modern computer controlled engines, if so equipped, you can dial in any RPM you want to maintain.

[BlueOvalBud]

Tank-type Engine Heaters - JCWhitney

I bought the 1500 Watt unit for my '65 F350 with a gas burner. And yes, they are the Zerostart brand. Last two winter's i have left it plugged in overnight. The next morning is instant heat. Just turn the key to accessory and hit the fan motor and you get hit with heat. I liked the concept of having the water cycle rather than have the heat in a concentrated area. I'm going to be buying another one pretty quick for my 6.9...don't want to crack my early 6.9 block! Install was straight-forward and simple. 2 hours gave good results.

My neighbor has a few newer International roll-back tow trucks. He just leaves his rigs in neutral, sets the brake, cranks his accelerator enough for the hydraulics to run quick, and sets his cruise control.

[ryman23]

but could anyone give me a website or store that sells these outdoor extension cords with the timers, i dont know if you have to buy a timer seperately or are they built in. im worried in the winter time when it gets real cold i dont want the electric bill going sky high leaving the truck plugged in all night. im a first time owner of a f-250 7.3L diesel 2000 and would love some answers. thanks

[archangel]

Just get a cheap water heater timer and add either the primary extension cord, or an outlet box to it.

[87crewdually]

Originally Posted by Dave Sponaugle

You could wire the fast idle solenoid for manual control, just supply 12 volts to the terminal on it with a manual switch.

If you do go this route, you should put a diode in between the fast idle and timing solenoids. This way when you toggle a switch to idle up, your not also changing the timing. Not good with drawing pictures or schematics. Maybe someone that is can post what I mean.

[Dave Sponaugle]

Until the engine temp reaches 112 degrees, the timing advance will be on anyway.

[fonefiddy]

Originally Posted by 87crewdually

If you do go this route, you should put a diode in between the fast idle and timing solenoids. This way when you toggle a switch to idle up, your not also changing the timing. Not good with drawing pictures or schematics. Maybe someone that is can post what I mean.

It's all layed out over at OBN