[ctdman]

Hey everybody,

There may already be a thread on this but, how long should I let my truck warm up in the winter? I live in Kansas City and it is starting to get pretty cold here now. My truck is bone stock right now and I don't want to cause any problems with the DPF getting clogged by letting it idle too much. Any thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[carisu]

You could get the high idle function enabled (at the dealer) and then you can run the high idle with the exhaust brake while warming the truck up and you don't have to worry as much about DPF problems.

 

[beardedone]

This is my second Cummins and I have never had a problem. I do have a garage that keeps the truck around 0 Cel and when I have to leave I start it up, turn on the exhaust break, back out, stop long enough to see the door come down and drive away, s l o w l y for about 3 blocks and then take it cool for a little while. Never had any problem at all. Have had to start it outside when -20 and no big issue. Let it warm up for 5 minutes and start out but again, taking it easy. Tonight it is going to be -22 Cel., and no issue at all. By the way I also have a winter front on the truck.

 

[maxfoutz]

I usually don’t warm my automobiles before driving in cold weather, because we keep them in the garage; however our 1995 Dodge van has to be warmed up before shifting into reverse otherwise it sounds like the trannie just fell to the floor not to mention the whip lash. I am sure that it is a fast idle problem but haven’t found a mechanic that can fix it yet.
_______________
Dodge Contract Hire | Car Breakdown Cover

 

[powermad]

when i warm my truck i wait till i get oil pressure then put it in drive with the e brake on. it helps it warm up when there is load on the engine.

 

[azpyroguy]

In southern Arizona here we dont have to worry much about here... but we do sometimes get some cooler nights.

I generally let mine warm up for 1-2 minutes while I load it up in the morning for work, and then drive slower for 3-4 blocks.

Typically I wait until the coolant gets to about 140 degrees before getting into it...

 

[K5Cruz]

I wouldnt worry about a little idle time honestly. There were several nights at the dunes of sleeping in my truck when it was stock with it running all night with the ac or heat blowing. Never had any DPF problems. Just woke up and gave it a little fuel every now and then. I generally let my truck idle a minute or two, then drive it easy until its up to operating temp.

 

[macattack_ga]

Patrick,
What are you worried about?

I think K5Cruz nailed it.

drive it easy until its up to operating temp.

 

[northof40]

I let mine warm up for anywhere from 5 to 25 min, depending on the time of year. But then again we get -40 degree temperatures up here. . .

 

[ctdman]

Thanks for the advice. I just don't want any problems with the DPF clogging and all. I have just heard that you don't want to let the 6.7 idle too long with all the emissions stuff that is on it.

 

[Malcolmzilla]

I put 5w40 synthetic in mine, plus 75w90 synthetic gear oil, start it (wait for grid air heater light to go off), get oil pressure, click exhaust brake on and go, keep revs down till it sweeps the bottom part of the gauge.

-15C / 5F this morning not plugged in, and it started great, and the 5w40 weight sure cuts down on valve clatter and oils easier when cold. Mine never seems to warm up much on high idle so why waste fuel I reckon.

 

[Ryderta]

I plug mine in every night in the cold, I started once the night temps got into the 30's. Then I still give it about 5 minutes to warm up.

How long does it take to warm up your trucks? I work about 8 miles away and it's barely up to operating temp when I get there, and on the way home it's more downhill and it doesn't even get warm sometimes. Today it was only 170 when I got home. It seems really fast to warm up to about 120 then it's slow as molases. Is this normal for these pure iron diesels?:confused013: