Cold Weather idling which is best??? Need help asap!

[AMink]

Has anyone tried one of the Coleman Cat propane heaters for something like this? They say that they are rated for indoor use. I'd imagine that with the windows cracked for ventilation, they would keep it pretty warm. Or run a small generator in the back and hook up a small electric heater.

 

[HBarlow]

I have gauges, an aftermarket high idler, and a Jacobs exhaust brake on my Gen II. If I use the high idler to raise the idle speed EGT barely rises above the normal idle temperature. If, instead, I engage the exhaust brake EGT will rise to about 380 degrees and will remain at that temperature indefinitely.



380 degrees is higher than the recommended shut down temperature so I figure that temperature is high enough to prevent cylinder wall wash down or deposits on valve stems caused by allowing the engine to idle for long periods of time. I have been forced to sleep in my truck a few nights this year when ambient temps were too cold to shut down and have allowed the truck to idle with exhaust brake on all night. I haven't seen any harm caused but, I've also seen many transporters and hot shot haulers who allow their trucks to idle all night without an exhaust brake.



I believe the warning against allowing our trucks to idle for long periods and accept the premise that idling will eventually cause problems but suspect that few of us will keep our trucks long enough or put enough miles and abusive idle periods on them to ever see damage or other negative results.



Harvey