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I've been trying to do some research on this and have seen a fair amount of conflicting evidence. I have a 2004 F350 6.0 with 82k miles, my first diesel. Being in CT it doesn't get overly cold, though there is the occasional cold snap. My question is what temp should I let the truck warm up to before driving? I have an Edge something or other digital gauge, and using that, I generally don't start driving until oil and coolant are both at 100 degrees of temp. I know the prevailing sentiment is that modern engines don't need long warm up times, but does that apply to diesels?
Would it be better to let it warm up longer? Or is that not necessary?
That is a good temp to start driving. I wouldn't jump on it until it gets a little closer to operating temp. But you can drive it. I usually wait till 120, but thats me. I also live in fla. Not as long a wait.
That is my target point too, then high idle the mile to get on the main road. Where I am in CA, the daily low will vary between the high 20’s to low 70’s throughout the year so idle time will vary greatly.
I don't do the idle warm-up but I don't step on it for the 15 mins or so either. All my engines seem to last a long time so I reckon I'm doing ok with it.
Generally, with my Tacoma, I let it warm up for as long as it takes for me to get in, put my stuff down and get situated, maybe 30 seconds to a minute. But these trucks being diesel I didn't think that applied, especially in the cold.
It isn't good for anything to let it warm up while idling. It is far better for the vehicle to drive it gently to warm it up. When I lived in the Great White North I always started the truck, put my seat belt on, and then put it in gear and drove it gently until it warmed up.
Mark I'll for sure take the advice. But yah wanna hear the truth? I run out let it worm because, I did think it was better. The other reason is I like a worm truck. I hate cold. Good info though. Now if I have to start and go I won't feel bad. Did worry about Tranny to.
Mark I'll for sure take the advice. But yah wanna hear the truth? I run out let it worm because, I did think it was better. The other reason is I like a worm truck.
I hate worms in my truck, unless I'm on my way to go fishing. I do like a warm truck, though.
Originally Posted by Visurveyor
Did worry about Tranny to.
The trans doesn't care if it's warm or cold. You can't hurt it driving it too cold. I've tested this as cold as -40°F. And that was the actual temperature, not a made up wind chill.
That does make me feel better on the effects on my tranny.
If ya think about it, transmission fluid is some almost indestructible Sh__. You pour it on the ground, say good bye to that piece of earth. .
I do a warm up. I was taught over 50 years ago to do a warm up with a diesel. I’ve read that in just about every diesel owner’s manual in the commercial, agricultural, and industrial field. I remember reading Ford altered the programming for the 6.0 to reduce power output until warmed temps to help the 6.0 with the head lifting, head gasket issues considering the situation.
My understanding is the thermal expansion of the head improves the sealing of the head gasket for one, and with a 6.0, I could stop there.
This is basically what I follow.
Have I gingerly idled up the street during the warm up, yep. After 2 minutes of sitting. I tend to not move the shifter until the glow plugs are totally off under any conditions.
The only owner’s manual reference I can easily grab is one for a Perkins diesel, I have one in my chipper.
I learned there are always 2 sides, and how to jumpstart a vehicle.😝😝😝 My personal opinion is let it warm up and get the oil flowing. And yes get cab warm or cold, depending on what time of year. I'm glad to hear the part about the transmission.
I was always taught to let engines gas or diesel warm up before starting down the road. With gas engines I do a lot shorter warm up than on a diesel. Basically what I do is start the Ex. and go back in the house and pack my lunch for work. When leaving I am very easy on the throttle for the first few miles as it is early and it is a side road. I tend to be easy on most of my equipment though.
As a manager of employees who sometimes had to deal with conflict, I learned there were three sides: two opposing perspectives and the truth. The third often was hard to reveal.
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