cold morning startups

[Simms]

Excuse me if this has already been discussed (I'm new here).



I have only 400 miles on my new truck and drive a very short distance to work. Basically, the truck never warms up.



Since it is in its breakin phase, what should I do in the morning. Do I let it run in the morning for a while till the engine temp gets up, or do I not do that since they say not to let it idle for more than 5 minutes. The reason I am asking because it kicks up to 1000 rpm, so does that make it ok to let it run for 10-15 minutes in the morning?



Thanks

 

[lschultz]

I wouldn't let it run that long in the morning unless its real cold where your at. It will warm up faster driving normal. When you go home take the long way home. You might want to change your oil more frequently the way your going. Them boys that deal with that cold temps. on a regular basis will be on here to comment. Whats a short distance?

 

[Simms]

5 miles, if that. The drive only takes 10 minutes tops.

 

[Fireman]

Simms,



It wouldn't hurt to use your block heater also. I drive 25 mi one way to work, this morning my truck didn't reach full operating temp till I was half way there.



FWIW

Fireman

 

[Dean Upson]

The '03 seems to take a bit longer to get to operating temperature. I noticed the heater takes a bit longer as well (naturally). The longer warmup and the larger seats are another reason for the heated seats. They are great.



Dean

 

[Dean Upson]

I actually meant to say "larger cabs" instead of "larger seats".



Dean

 

[OHale]

I bought a book a long time ago called "Drive It Forever. " It was written by an automotive engineer named Sikorsky.



He was adamant about a few things. One was break-in. He said you wanted to minimize cold starts during the first 1-2,000 miles during break-in because when the engine is cold the parts aren't at an optimum 'fit. ' He recommended several long break-in drives at varying speeds and RPMs with no lugging, with the engine at operating temperature.



He also said idling was one of the worst things for an engine, especially during break-in. He said with no load on the engine the pistons didn't press on the cylinder walls in a way that is best for wearing-in (I am paraphrasing badly, sorry). He said the only time you should ever idle an engine for is after a long high-load/ high-rpm run to dissipate heat.



So, I would either plug it in all night and have it as warm as possible for your short work trip (and start driving after no more than a minute of idling), or better yet, take a nice long drive every weekend until you are well over 1,000 miles.



Just my two cents worth.