Power Stroke Warm Up

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Feb 3, 2003 | 04:01 PM

chovy1

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Idaho

Power Stroke Warm Up

I have a 2002 F250 (PS, 6spd man.) with 22000 miles on it. I warm the engine for 5 - 10 minutes prior to driving it but have the following questions:

1. Is warm up necessary (never, every time, sometimes)?

2. If so, how long should it run in cold weather (32 F or less)?

3. How long should it run when the temperature is > 32 F?

4. What is the purpose for the increased idle (if left sitting) during cold weather?

Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice,
chovy1

Feb 3, 2003 | 05:34 PM

johnsdiesel

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From: Denton,TX

Power Stroke Warm Up

"1. Is warm up necessary (never, every time, sometimes)? "

I usually let the engine idle until the glow plugs are off. Watch the power meter on your dash, when it returns to the normal position drive. Idling a cold diesel engine is not only bad for it, you won't really warm it up.

"2. If so, how long should it run in cold weather (32 F or less)? "

Plug it in 2-3 hours prior to using it and follow the directions for #1. It makes life easy to buy a timer to plug the heater in to.

"3. How long should it run when the temperature is > 32 F? "

Follow the directions for #1.

"4. What is the purpose for the increased idle (if left sitting) during cold weather? "

To prevent washing of the fuel into the oil. If you really want to let your truck idle for warm up or other, buy and auxillary idle controller to raise the rpm's of the engine.

Feb 3, 2003 | 05:43 PM

98fxdl

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From: North Georgia

Power Stroke Warm Up

I agree with johnsdiesel, these engines do much better without a warm-up. I start mine in the morning and let it run for about 1-2 minutes and no more. (This makes sure oil is circulating to all parts.) I then drive it easy until the temp guage is in the normal range. Once it's at the normal temp. I just drive it as I usually do. When it's below 30 F I plug it in with a timer to heat for about 3 hrs. before I need it.

I have 43k on my 00 and have had no problems. This thing runs like a clock.

Feb 4, 2003 | 07:01 AM

powerstroker250

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Power Stroke Warm Up

As said in the above statements.

Les

Feb 4, 2003 | 11:47 AM

bricot

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From: Salem USA

Power Stroke Warm Up

I have the auxillary idle controller or auxillary powertrain controller - whichever you want to call it. It bumps the idle up to 1300 rpms and it will actually warm it up reasonably quickly. It is my understanding that this will get around the wet stacking problem because it will heat the pre-turbo intake temps above 275 degrees.

Feb 4, 2003 | 12:13 PM

johnsdiesel

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From: Denton,TX

Power Stroke Warm Up

Quote:

Originally posted by bricot
I have the auxillary idle controller or auxillary powertrain controller - whichever you want to call it. It bumps the idle up to 1300 rpms and it will actually warm it up reasonably quickly. It is my understanding that this will get around the wet stacking problem because it will heat the pre-turbo intake temps above 275 degrees.

You're correct, it does eliminate the wet stacking problem. Which idle controller do you have, is it the Ford factory controller or something else?

Feb 4, 2003 | 12:17 PM

bricot

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From: Salem USA

Power Stroke Warm Up

I assume its factory ... has the big Ford button...the owners manual that is with it is entitled Auxillary Powertrain Controller (APC). It was in the truck when I purchased it (used) so I'm not sure ...