Overkill2; that is interesting and I'lll have to google that module.

FYI
My truck uses .8 gallons per hour idling till the engine gets up to operating temperature. And when above operating temperature it uses .3g/h, plus when I back off the throttle the fuel flow will go to zero when coasting.

So using the block heater really get the engine to operating temp sooner.

 

Many in Canada use the Go Fia front cover in winter. Some of the kits include a bug screen for summer. The winter front cover has two openings you can open for the warmer days.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Winter-Fron...NaYMyi&vxp=mtr

 

The reason the engine uses more fuel is because it automatically high-idles when its cold to help it get up to temp and better meet emissions standards. Yes, colder and thicker fluids will add additional friction which uses more fuel. But not 0.5gph more fuel.

Even an engine that is fully warmed up will gradually start to idle up if it sits and idles for a long time in very cold weather. It is unable to maintain engine coolant temp at normal idle.

 

Troverman, I agrees.

It also heats up the transmission. I monitored and recorded fuel flow with dealer software, ForScan and Torque Pro. They all verified the 0.5 gph. I thought it was using more fuel because I have supplemental heating, but haven't really ruled that out. I think that it idles down around 135 degrees.

 

Idling will help warm the transmission, true...and the transmission oil cooler will act as a "heater" when the coolant is warmer than the fluid as well.

The supplemental heater is 100% electric and any increase in fuel consumption would be due to additional resistance from the load on the alternator(s).