warming up
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 1
From what I've read on here extended idle warm-ups are over rated. I'd suggest throwing a beach/bath towel over the grill, letting it idle just until the defrost/heater air starts to feel warm, then drive it gently under 2k rpms until it comes up to operating temperature. I think you can waste alot of fuel waiting for an idle to bring your truck up to operating temp.
I started carrying the towel a couple of winters ago. It may look a little funny when you go out to start it up, but you'd be surprised how much it helps.
I started carrying the towel a couple of winters ago. It may look a little funny when you go out to start it up, but you'd be surprised how much it helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I'd be more worried about not getting it warm enough than getting it going. I'd say wait ten, maybe 15 seconds before you start easing it down the road. The key is to not get on it, probably your whole trip as the engine, trans, and rear gears really won't ever heat up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Originally Posted by Fat Diesel
I'd be more worried about not getting it warm enough than getting it going. I'd say wait ten, maybe 15 seconds before you start easing it down the road. The key is to not get on it, probably your whole trip as the engine, trans, and rear gears really won't ever heat up.
This water will end up in the bottom of the oil pan. It is normally evaporated via heat from the engine oil and expelled through the CCV system but will not occor unless the oil gets hot enough.
My solution, that overrated warmup cycle under high idle, then I get on it to heat things up. I have a company car, so when I start the truck, which is rare these days, I really try to heat it up. My hunting escapades are 1/4 mile around the corner.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Couple similar threads for more reading material: 
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...aking-off.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...for-turbo.html
Might not use as much as you'd think 
... The 7.3L uses around 1/3 gallon of fuel an hour at normal idle, and around 2/3 gallon an hour at elevated idle (1200 rpm). So if fuel were back up to $3.00/gallon, you'd use $1 or $2 in an hour, depending if you're on normal or high idle. 
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...aking-off.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...for-turbo.html
Originally Posted by Orezona
I think you can waste alot of fuel waiting for an idle to bring your truck up to operating temp.
... The 7.3L uses around 1/3 gallon of fuel an hour at normal idle, and around 2/3 gallon an hour at elevated idle (1200 rpm). So if fuel were back up to $3.00/gallon, you'd use $1 or $2 in an hour, depending if you're on normal or high idle.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,800
Likes: 9
From: Rouleau, Saskatchewan
I also have a short drive to work ( 10 miles) so when it is down around freezing I let my truck warm up until the high idle kicks in. I also have a winter front so the truck warms up faster and runs a little warmer which helps get rid of the condensation in the motor.
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4griffins
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Sep 11, 2013 03:35 AM
