6.4 winter warmup time
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
6.4 winter warmup time
With the cold weather coming I was wondering what is the proper warmup time for a 6.4? I've heard to avoid excessive idling but what constitutes excessive? I like to let it run about 10 minutes when its cold but if I get interrupted is 20 minutes going to hurt it? Also should I get the cord for the block heater in northern Ohio? I work nights so it would sit in the employee lot all night where I'm not sure if I could plug it in anyway, then in my pole barn during the day.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,010
Likes: 90
From: SE. MA
Newer diesels don't require an extended warmup time.... If you can plug it in start it up and drive away, if not start it up give a minute for the oil pressure to equalize and then take it easy for the first few miles and you'll be fine! A synthetic oil in the winter will also help with cold starts , I run 5-40 year round, some say it's a waste, I don't feel it is at least I have peace of mind knowing that exceptionally good oils in my rig! I ran it in my 6.0 and had great results, and feel that's one reason I had no problems!
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
From: Grande Prairie, AB
Newer diesels don't require an extended warmup time.... If you can plug it in start it up and drive away, if not start it up give a minute for the oil pressure to equalize and then take it easy for the first few miles and you'll be fine! A synthetic oil in the winter will also help with cold starts , I run 5-40 year round, some say it's a waste, I don't feel it is at least I have peace of mind knowing that exceptionally good oils in my rig! I ran it in my 6.0 and had great results, and feel that's one reason I had no problems!
It says right in the OM that a warm up is not necessary, Im so used to letting my vehicles warm up its gonna be weird! I also just got 15lt 5w-40 syn oil yesterday, it was on sale, will change probably next month.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Agree with above. Plug in if you can when temps drop. I have started mine at -28 after being plugged in, made some strange sounds for about 10 seconds, waited about 1 minute and then drove it easy till she warmed up. No need to wait, idle is not going to warm it up anyway.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
I have had it down to -1F and didn't plug in. No extended warm up times either. I let it run maybe 2-3 mins then started out slow for a couple miles, then up to 75 
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
With the cold weather coming I was wondering what is the proper warmup time for a 6.4? I've heard to avoid excessive idling but what constitutes excessive? I like to let it run about 10 minutes when its cold but if I get interrupted is 20 minutes going to hurt it? Also should I get the cord for the block heater in northern Ohio? I work nights so it would sit in the employee lot all night where I'm not sure if I could plug it in anyway, then in my pole barn during the day.
The most critical part of cold weather starting is something you didn't mention: oil viscosity! If it's below 20 degrees 15w40 is too thick; most of us run 5w40 in the winter time.
Warming up the engine is not necessary, it's harmful if anything. Diesel engines are unthrottled, so they always pump the full volume of air through the cylinders even when idling, but they burn only a very little bit of fuel. Therefore unless the engine us under load it will take a LONG time for it to come up to temperature.
Operating the engine under temp is bad for a variety of reasons, it can cause serious engine problems over time. The fastest way for your engine to climb up to temp is to DRIVE IT. This is why your owner's guide says nothing about idling more than a few seconds in cold weather.
The block heater is only required if temps get below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you want heat in the cabin faster on cold starts.
Do what your diesel supplement suggests for longest engine life. Start the engine and run it for 15 seconds and then drive. Better for your fuel economy and your engine.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Thanks guys for all the responses. I read it in the manual also but just wanted to start some discussion with other owners. This is interesting, I was at a party Sat nite and talking to a long time service tech who works at a Ford dealership and owns a 6.0 SD. I asked him the same question about my 6.4 and he said all diesels need to warm up and I should idle it for a few (10?) minutes. Hmmm. I didnt contradict him or question his opinion. Glad I asked the question here.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
From: Grande Prairie, AB
For the size of all the coolers, the rad etc etc I'm surprised how fast it warms up. It hasn't got very cold here yet but last week when it was about -5celsius or so I let it warm up for 5mins and took off. The tranny gauge was already half way and the defrost wad blowing warm.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
I agree, but they are now calling for 10-30 unless you're in extreme climates. According to MY dealer, Wisconsin doesn't count, but Minnesota does...ummmm...
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
If you just start a truck up here in the winter and drive off, expect your breath to form a decent ice covering of your glass in about 20 seconds. You HAVE to idle it for at least 10 mins, or you're an accident looking for a place to happen.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Here in northwestern Wisconsin we're colder than many parts of MN. Oh well...
I think 10w30 is a great idea, and I was pleased to see it recommended for the new 6.7L. If it adequately protects a 6.4L it would be a great deal for most 6.4L owners who deal with a real winter but don't want to pay for fully synthetic oil in the winter.
10w30 is supposed to be adequate for cold starts down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be good for those in most parts of the US.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 321
Likes: 2
For those that can park their truck in the garage during the cold months that's great. For me, I have no choice but to start it for a few minutes before I leave to defrost the windshield. If not, it'll just keep frosting back up while I'm driving.