My point exactly, you're *just* warmed up after driving 45mph + for 10 minutes. Anyway he'll do what he will. If he's not driving long distances, towing or carrying big loads there is no need for a diesel.

 

The only thing that might be effected from short commutes are the turbo VGT veins. But as long as it gets driven enough other times to help them move, everything is fine.


Josh

 

I wouldn't use my remote start when its below zero and my engine is cold, because it wouldn't start. I have to cycle the glow plugs a few times before she started up.

 

With 5W40?

That's odd, I have had that occur with 10W30 during sustained below zero temps and I haven't started the engine in a few days.

5W40 @ -10 feels like 10W30 @ 40 degrees. I cannot wait to try out the new Rotella 0W40.

Josh

 

Mine would do that too at times. It would try to start the truck 3x, it would crank the truck for about 5 seconds each time.

 

The remote start has a 15 second delay in it. That wasn't long enough in alpine wy when it was below zero most of the week, and at 5600 ft.

 

My point is that a diesel truck is probably not the best vehicle for a woman (most likely not mechanically inclined) to grab groceries in. Add to that the short drives and it's a bit much of a vehicle and investment for not much in the way of return.

IMHO.

 

To the OP, I am running a diesel in PG, BC. Garage at home, no plug at work, have remote start. I run a winter front, I run short trips, I run 0w40 Co-Op DMO full synthetic year round. A diesel will be cold blooded, but as long as you have a good alternator, 140 amp or better, two good batteries, FICM in good shape and glow plugs working, it's not a big problem. Running the remote start she will burn 1.9 gallons of diesel an hour, the colder it is the higher the idle will be to warm up. Better to not start until you are going to run it, warm it up for 15 minutes with remote before you have to drive it if you can. Because of the fuel costs, better to find a place with a block heater plug if you can. Truck in my signature is 8 years old, 170,000 km, bought it new. I am on second set of batteries, original alternator, 5th set of tires, original brakes, 3 rd set of shocks, regular maintenance including full synthetic since 30,000 km. Maintenance is everything, using the right filters, oil, good fuel, fuel conditioner are all very important with a diesel.

 

Hey thanks for all the info. The reason I thought about getting an excursion with a diesel was we were planning on getting a camper, so I was wanting a vehicle that would be up to the task of pulling it. Father in law has a 07 f150 with a 5.4L that he uses to pull a 30ft travel trailer. He says it is almost not enough vehicle to pull it. So that is why I looked at stepping up to a diesel. Still taking to the wife about it. I myself have no problem getting my hands dirty to fix stuff, actually prefer doing it myself. It's a lot cheaper.

 

I simply cannot say enough good stuff about my 7.3 they are legendary engines, only second to a straight 6 cummins. If you go with a 6.0 I would get one that is in the last year of its availability simply because all the recalls will have bypassed it. The 6.0 is a nice engine as well, but I just I just like IHC, parts are universally available and comparatively cheap. They're also not as loud as 6.0's, which tend to have a very high pitched turbo whine, even stock.

My bias may come from my previous ownership of a 1984 f250 6.9l IDI the 7.3's granddaddy.

 

6.0 louder than a 7.3?

7.3 sounds like marbles in a coffee can and you can always hear a 7.3 a mile away trying to accelerate from a stop sign.

Any 6.0 is a quality unit.

Josh

 

Thats the part where I say "turbo whine". Sheesh you 6.0 guys are like all touchy

p.s. holy shote just realized the thread was moved to the 6.0 forum, time for me to beat a hasty retreat!

 

Yep... You're in our neighborhood now. LOL

Josh

 

I can see that you're not well educated about 6.0's so I'll excuse your comments.

 

That's awful kind of you..