warming up the engine

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Dec 16, 2004 | 08:29 AM

#16

GWIGG

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 67

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From: A Double-wide

I was reading my owners manual for my 2000 Ranger ext cab. 3.0 and my manual clearly stated that warming up is NOT necessary, and that ford does not recommend it because it is a waste of fuel.

Dec 16, 2004 | 11:24 AM

#17

ammo troop

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Joined: Jun 2004

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Okay, think we can all agree to disagree, this winter I (and family) will be going against all advice and using about 1/4 cup of more fuel when I let my vehicles warm up a couple of minutes before I enter the Rat Race going to work, my windows will be defrosted and interior warm, idle will be normal, then I will be convinced the ole' girl is ready to drive.

Just my $.02 worth.....

Ammo Troop

Dec 16, 2004 | 11:33 AM

#18

holiday187

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Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 252

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cool you do that and remember there's no harder work on an engine than idling. So think baout that hile you're inside brushing your teeth and you engine is going through heck

Dec 17, 2004 | 06:10 AM

#19

sorensenj

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 153

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From: Wisconsin

I've also read that you aren't supposed to warm engine up at idle for very long (few seconds) so that everything warms together, like tranny, rear end, etc. That makes some sense in my mind. But, if you have a outlet available, you could install a block heater on a timer to come on, say, an hour before you go and the engine will have some warmth without the troublesome idle damage. If you leave a vehicle outside when it's cold there can be frost on the windows and warming the engine up to clear the windshield seems to be just common sense. I think folks should do whatever makes sense to them.

Dec 17, 2004 | 03:56 PM

#20

01_4cyl

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Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 25

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From: Wisconsin Rapids, WI

I drive my 01 duratec right away. I drive very slowly and keep the rpm's down and let all the fluids get warmed up. If I had to get on the interstate right away I would let my truck warm up for 5 - 10 minutes. Once in my younger days a friend of mine went out to warm up his Dodge pickup. It was about -30 degrees. He left it run for about 15 minutes before he left. When he went out it wasn't running anymore. Blew the oil filter off. Dead Dodge. Since that day I always look out the window and look for puddles of oil under my truck .