Warming up a PSD
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Michigan
Originally Posted by F250Wheels
Warm oil? I got bad news for you, 20 minuites at driving speed hardly warms the oil.
So you are saying that after 20 minutes of running, the oil circulating through a 190 degree engine block, not to mention the heat generated in the oil from the HPOP, that the oil is barely warmed up? That is bonk, pure bonk. Simple thermodynamics proves you wrong.
As far as warming up before driving, I do in my diesels. I have a scangauge so I know my water temp. I drive off when the WT is 80 degrees. In my 2004 F250 the first white mark on the temp gauge is about 120 degrees. So depending on the outside temperature, warm up idling could be 30 seconds, or 3-5 minutes.
I have always let my engines (diesel or gas) idle a bit before driving them, Heck my 1992 F150 had 247,000 miles on the engine when I sold it. She still ran strong and only lost/used 0.5 quarts every 2500 miles.
Last edited by laredo7mma; Oct 1, 2006 at 12:56 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by F250Wheels
Sound like you and other here are self appointed engineers, I go by the book.
this has been said many times in other thread on this site.
ford tell you what to do to cover their **** on warrenty, not what will make your vehicle last the longest it can.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Stevens County, WA
How long you warm up your motor also depends on how far you will be driving. If you're doing a very short trip in colder weather, you should warm up the motor with a high idle mod at least until the temperature gauge warms up. If you drive short trips a lot and the motor never reaches operating temperature, bad things will happen.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Michigan
Originally Posted by F250Wheels
Sound like you and other here are self appointed engineers, I go by the book.
It isn't even worth my time to do the calculations and prove your statement of "20 minuites at driving speed hardly warms the oil," is incorrect.
I am not a self appointed Engineer, I have a Bachelors of Science in Automotive Engineering (specialized Mechanical Engineering), and I have been working in the Automotive field, as an Engineer, for Tier 1 suppliers for last 10+ years.
Last edited by laredo7mma; Oct 1, 2006 at 02:45 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 10,600
Likes: 3
From: Carhenge
Originally Posted by Anchorman
What the "key&go" theory also fails to address is the other multiple moving components. Your AC compressor, power steering, alternator, etc etc etc. Even the Brake pedal can feel like cement when it's -40. Having Idling time helps warm up everything under the hood. (ever touched an exhaust manifold by mistake after it was "only idling"?) If you have you know what I'm talking about. And whoever made the comment that oil isn't even warm after 20 minutes of driving needs a reality check. Feel your oilpan after 5 minutes, it's hot.
Experience tells me that a gentle approach to starting is ALWAYS best... If you guys that start & drive have had lucky experiences.. I believe it is just that... "lucky"
Experience tells me that a gentle approach to starting is ALWAYS best... If you guys that start & drive have had lucky experiences.. I believe it is just that... "lucky"
It is indisputable that your engine and components will get up to temperature faster if you are driving than if it is sitting idleing. Seems to me that if cold operation is damaging, logic would follow that the sooner you get it up to temperature the better. If cold operation is bad for your engine and components, what is less damaging, letting the engine idle cold for 15-20 minutes, or gently driving it cold for 5 minutes?
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Central California Coast
Originally Posted by killaford
ford tell you what to do to cover their **** on warrenty, not what will make your vehicle last the longest it can.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
I usually let mine idle until the voltmeter comes up to normal range and the glow plugs are done. Mine usually idles around 700 when it's cold, how much
does the high idle mod raise it? Or how much would you raise the idle using the aic? If you are idling at 1000-1200 or driving at the same or slightly higher rpms, is there much difference in wear?
does the high idle mod raise it? Or how much would you raise the idle using the aic? If you are idling at 1000-1200 or driving at the same or slightly higher rpms, is there much difference in wear?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by slowolf
Read the owners manual diesel supplement about warming up the engine. They recommend a 15 second warm-up time and specify not increasing engine speed until oil pressure gauge indicates normal pressure.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by slowolf
I think I'll take my chances with what the owners manual says and start and go, unless somebody can cite some solid proof that extended idling in cold weather is better. I've heard a lot of opinions but no proof.
Idling in cold weather is fine... that's what the Cold Ambient Package is for. When the engine oil and/or intake air gets on the cooler side, the CAP raises the idle speed and closes the EBPV partially to fully (more fully when it's colder), which puts a small load on the engine.
The weather doesn't get all that cold on the Central California Coast.
However, on the North Slope of Alaska, where the weather does get a bit nippy, whole fleets of trucks are idled 24/7... they're too hard to start. When they are started, they're allowed to warmup for quite a long time... start yours up at well below zero and see how smoothly it's running. 
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
It is indisputable that your engine and components will get up to temperature faster if you are driving than if it is sitting idleing. Seems to me that if cold operation is damaging, logic would follow that the sooner you get it up to temperature the better. If cold operation is bad for your engine and components, what is less damaging, letting the engine idle cold for 15-20 minutes, or gently driving it cold for 5 minutes?
Agreed it will warm faster... but it will do so when it is at it's MOST vulnerable stage.... COLD + COLD lubrication = MINIMUM protection. So the getting a bigger hammer theory wont work.
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Well F250Wheels.. now that I've read back through the history of this thread and realize that you're the one that thinks that oil is still cold after 20 minutes... and the other comments....
Making stupid points to fight on the internet is kinda like competing in the Special Olympics.. even if you think you've won, you're still a frikkin retard.
Making stupid points to fight on the internet is kinda like competing in the Special Olympics.. even if you think you've won, you're still a frikkin retard.
