Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Best way to Warm Up Engine?

[chazj]

I have a 2002 Dodge with a BD Exhaust Brake and Guages. I maybe moving to the midwest where it is much colder than where I live now. I have read in the owner's manual that it's possible to have it start on 3 cylinders with a fast idle to help it warm up quicker. I think it would have to have the ECM reflashed?



At any rate I notice that when I turn on my exhaust brake on a cold morning

that the EGT is around 400 degrees. If I turn off the exhaust brake and use the accelerator to increase idle speed... I have to run approximately 1600 RPM to bring the temp up to the 400 degree mark that the exhaust brake does at idle.



It is my understanding that low idle temps can create problems with incomplete combusion and the "washing down of the cylinders" with the unburned diesel fuel?



Given the above scenerio, is it suitable to just use the exhaust brake to warm the engine and prevent the problems with low idle temps? Or should I invest in having the ECM reflashed to run on 3 cylinders on very cold starts?

Is the EGT the only measure needed to insure proper combustion or is it more involved... perhaps the temperature of the coolant?



Thanks ahead of time for your input.

 

[kscheffler]

I always warm my truck with the BD exhaust brake in the closed position. No problems and it does help to excellerate the warm up process.

 

[cojhl2]

The way we doit on Big trucks just start it and let it idle for 15-20 mins.



In the winter there is a cover over the radiator to prevent much airflow.



No exhast brake and I think the JB would "jerk" the engine around too much.

 

[darkhorse]

My Banks Brake has a warm up feature built right into the control module that closes the brake on cold start up. I think the 3 cylinder high idle is a built in feature that maybe the dealer can enable. I know the new Smarty programmer has the feature enabled.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

run the brake and idle it up...

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I use my brake and she warms up great! Mainly that is what the forte of my brake is :-laf

 

[RJPotts]

An exhaust brake is recommended for ANY extended idle time and definitely for warmup.

You would be surprised how fast cylinder temps drop when there is no load on the engine. I turn on my PacBrake for warmup, when I go into the gas station for something, and any other time the truck will be at idle for more than about 2 minutes. Its cheap insurance if you already have one installed.

I believe the instructions that come with most/all exhaust brakes says to do this.

-R. J.

 

[DennyDay]

I use the "Practical Solutions" fast idle - - It is 100% adjustable. I've only had it for a couple on months, but I let my truck idle on jobs, and it sure beats the stick I used to use!



Denny

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The e-brake is a great warmup tool, as well as plugging in, but even so unless it is super cold I would still get in and start driving gently within a couple minutes of firing up for the best warmup. Saves fuel, better for engine.