Heres an idea...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Port Elgin, On
No its not that, its more the lack of ability to plug it in. At work i can't plug it in from 6 to 6 which is obviously a long time, let alone going out of town for the holidays or whatever, my reasoning is that a plug is not always available and it would be nice to have an alternative...... or would it?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville
I remember the guys on the Shade Tree Mechanic show installing a system like that on a dodge. I looked around and couldn't find the episode or any information on it, but I did find another discussion on it with some good information.
webasto.htm
I could see this as being very useful if you don't always have a place to plug in.
webasto.htm
I could see this as being very useful if you don't always have a place to plug in.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
With a properly functioning GP system, these trucks will start at well below 0*F without trouble. 'Plugging in' will make it quieter/smoother at start-up and help get cabin heat sooner - but is not required. If your temps are that cold, try switching to the lighter weight synthetic engine oil the manual suggests for cold temps. 5w40??? I forgot...
Also, a functioning hi-idle and EBPV together will help it warm up while sitting still, but it is generally more economical to just drive 'easy' until operating temp. If warm-up is still slow ya might consider a 'winter front' that restricts some airflow to the radiator. I think if you were in 20-30* below temps and could not plug'er in, the fuel-fired heaters would probably be a good idea.
Also, a functioning hi-idle and EBPV together will help it warm up while sitting still, but it is generally more economical to just drive 'easy' until operating temp. If warm-up is still slow ya might consider a 'winter front' that restricts some airflow to the radiator. I think if you were in 20-30* below temps and could not plug'er in, the fuel-fired heaters would probably be a good idea.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Port Elgin, On
Thanks for all the feed back guys. 99f-350crewcab that is an awsome link thanks!
The main thing for me too is that of all the things we do to/ put our trucks through, cold starts are the hardest on them, I'm just looking to alleviate that as much as possible.
Is this a waste?
The main thing for me too is that of all the things we do to/ put our trucks through, cold starts are the hardest on them, I'm just looking to alleviate that as much as possible.
Is this a waste?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Unless you are in constant sub-zero temps and cannot plug in - YES! imho.
The hardest thing about 'cold starts' on these engines is blow-by. Diesels and other high-compression engines don't make full compression until operating temp. In the meantime, some combustion gasses (and possibly unburnt fuel) make it past the rings and contaminate the engine oil. Diesel engine oil is specifically designed to compensate for this. IF you are still worried about 'premature engine wear', get a UOA and rest your worried mind! Hell, you'll prolly end up saving money by extending your oil change interval (per the UOA suggestions).
The hardest thing about 'cold starts' on these engines is blow-by. Diesels and other high-compression engines don't make full compression until operating temp. In the meantime, some combustion gasses (and possibly unburnt fuel) make it past the rings and contaminate the engine oil. Diesel engine oil is specifically designed to compensate for this. IF you are still worried about 'premature engine wear', get a UOA and rest your worried mind! Hell, you'll prolly end up saving money by extending your oil change interval (per the UOA suggestions).
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville
I'd consider putting one in just so I don't have to climb into a cold truck. It was 10 deg F here this morning and I don't think my block heater is actually working. Truck started fine, but that seat was a bit chilly. That's the main reason I don't drive the truck in the winter that much. 
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
If your block heater looks like this, its prolly not working!
This is more better:
Btw, screw 'economy'! I let my trucks warm up (1100rpm hi-idle on DP-Tuner) for 5-10mins when its cold outside. MPG's are down from avg 18.5 to about 15 in the last tank for this reason!! My butt is fine with that - cold seats suck!
FWIW, it was in the single digits last week here in NW Texas with up to 40mph winds (freaking COOOLD, by my standards!). The 216k mile Excursion with factory GP's, etc started same as always, but was a little grouchy for about 2 min's. Not plugged in, since I'm staying in a hotel. If I let it idle, it automajically raised idle to 1100-1300rpms and activated EBPV. In 10 mins it was near 'normal' range on temp gauge and almost comfortable inside.
This is more better:
Btw, screw 'economy'! I let my trucks warm up (1100rpm hi-idle on DP-Tuner) for 5-10mins when its cold outside. MPG's are down from avg 18.5 to about 15 in the last tank for this reason!! My butt is fine with that - cold seats suck!
FWIW, it was in the single digits last week here in NW Texas with up to 40mph winds (freaking COOOLD, by my standards!). The 216k mile Excursion with factory GP's, etc started same as always, but was a little grouchy for about 2 min's. Not plugged in, since I'm staying in a hotel. If I let it idle, it automajically raised idle to 1100-1300rpms and activated EBPV. In 10 mins it was near 'normal' range on temp gauge and almost comfortable inside.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,714
Likes: 2
From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire
for what its worth....the PCM waits for the oil to warm enouph to flow like it should before it goes into high idle....for that reason i only use my DP high idle after she has been run.....
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
FWIW, it was in the single digits last week here in NW Texas with up to 40mph winds (freaking COOOLD, by my standards!). The 216k mile Excursion with factory GP's, etc started same as always, but was a little grouchy for about 2 min's. Not plugged in, since I'm staying in a hotel. If I let it idle, it automajically raised idle to 1100-1300rpms and activated EBPV. In 10 mins it was near 'normal' range on temp gauge and almost comfortable inside.
I've been starting a nearly 200k truck in negative temperatures here the last week or so. I think -25 was the coldest it got. Truck will be fine, it'll start if everything is functioning normally. 5w-40 syntheic helped immensely, I must say.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
Webasto are nice heaters but pretty expensive.
Is the extra comfort worth $2000 to you?
I know Webasto from RV applications. The system is pretty complicated and not famous for reliability. Several pumps and sensors where a single failure will shut it down.
Than not too many mechanics know what they are. Unless you are close to big marine repair business, you might have hard time to find anybody familiar with it.
Is the extra comfort worth $2000 to you?
I know Webasto from RV applications. The system is pretty complicated and not famous for reliability. Several pumps and sensors where a single failure will shut it down.
Than not too many mechanics know what they are. Unless you are close to big marine repair business, you might have hard time to find anybody familiar with it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Good point! When its THAT cold, I just let the PCM do its thing! But I always let it run a minute or 2 before flipping the chip into Hi-Idle. IIRC, Jody mentions ya shouldn't use hi-idle and remote start - partially for the reason you mentioned!
Brrrrrrrr Lisa!!!! I really think I like the sub-tropical climate the most!
Going to central FL next week for that very reason!!!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville
Webasto are nice heaters but pretty expensive.
Is the extra comfort worth $2000 to you?
I know Webasto from RV applications. The system is pretty complicated and not famous for reliability. Several pumps and sensors where a single failure will shut it down.
Than not too many mechanics know what they are. Unless you are close to big marine repair business, you might have hard time to find anybody familiar with it.
Is the extra comfort worth $2000 to you?
I know Webasto from RV applications. The system is pretty complicated and not famous for reliability. Several pumps and sensors where a single failure will shut it down.
Than not too many mechanics know what they are. Unless you are close to big marine repair business, you might have hard time to find anybody familiar with it.
Can you really put a price on having a warm seat without having to go out and start the truck?
I saw the price on a few websites, and it seems a bit steep to not have to walk out and start the truck. Didn't know about all the other issues with that setup.
I wonder what it would cost to convince one of the neighborhood kids to start the truck for me in the morning.
