Hey guys just wondering what your thoughts are. Here in northwest Iowa it can get pretty cold and im just wondering what you think about warm up time? Im sure it all depends on how cold it is, but for the first time you start it that day do you let it run for 15 minutes? What about watching the oil temp, is that a way to gauge how long to let it warm up? Say around 100 degrees or what is your thoughts? I know if your going to do some towing right away you probably want it good and warm, but I am mainly wondering how soon can you take it outta park?

 

Here's a topic that may help you.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-driving.html

 

This is probably an even better thread than the one above:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s....php?t=1128833

 

Officially, after the warmup countdown ends and it says 'OK TO DRIVE' then it's ready to go... if it's a colder day like today being -32.3°C (-26.14°F) I gave it like 6 minutes or so while I walked around and bent the wiper blades so they aren't frozen up solid.

 

Is there something that comes up and lets you know when its ok to drive??? (TRENT 310) If there is i havent seen it.

 

If it's just me 5 - 10 min no matter how cold it is.
Today at -33C I only gave it 5 min.
If the wife and kids are comming 30 - 45 min (they are pretty wimpy).

Thanks

 

Yes it does at the end of the count down. This is a video of my truck starting-up this morning. I'm just really excited that it started up at all because in these temps, my 6.0 just plain won't, and the 7.3L takes a liberal spraying of a can of 'quick start' to get going. High Pressure Common Rail vs. Hydraulic-Electronic Unit Injector design I guess. And working glow plugs.

6.7L PSD Warm-Up Countdown - YouTube

Accelerator pedal is disabled during the count down.

 

Interesting, I have the different display and it never does any kind of countdown. Just started it in the vid below. It's a balmy -24C right now but I have never noticed anything at any temp......

 

-35 after work lastnight, truck was plugged in for 10 hours. Remote started for 7 minutes by the time I got to my truck and it was good to go, but she was stiff.

 

Doesn't get cold enough here in Ohio for that warning.

I normally start it, grab the seat belt, and off I go. I just take it easy on the go pedal until oil temperatures are above 120F. (just and arbitrary number for me).

 

The warning only shows if it's cold enough and the computer modules want you to wait.
If the warning doesn't appear, you're ready to drive by the time you are situated.
Take it easy until it's been at operating temp for a few miles.

 

I run it longer than needed, wasting fuel and damaging my engine, but I just like knowing the oil is at least 50 degrees F before I drive. Usually only takes 5 min or less but in the southern states I usually stay in it does not get below 20F very often.

 

Well this afternoon it wasn't quite cold enough outside to trigger the warm-up delay but earlier today in the morning would have... unless it just doesn't at all? Or maybe it does but doesn't tell you? (That would be strange because it has the big colour LCD to show everything on.)
You'll have to do a -30°C startup in person with the ignition key to figure that one out probably.

How do you park the thing in 4Hi? I can't steer when the front end is all locked up.

 

You work yours hard enough to burn up any negative effects of idling, IMO.

 

For me it was always between 0 and 30 seconds. Perhaps a minute if it had a long cold soak at below 0°. As mentioned above, if the truck needs to warm up it will let you know, and it won't let you drive it until it gets done. This time won't exceed 30 seconds IIRC.

The need for warmup time in a Ford diesel truck went out in 1994 with the advent of the electronically controlled Powerstroke engine. With the exception of blatant flogging, you will not hurt an engine by driving down the road cold.