Idle time and heating the cab

[CIverson]

New diesel owner here.



Been reading the forums and see that long idle times are a bad thing, and that the cummins will cool down when it idles.



Is there anything I can do so I can let it idle for 20-30 minutes in the winter, where it will actually warm up and not hurt the engine?



From some reading I see a cold front helps, something about high idlers, and somene said an exhaust brake can help also.



So what's feasable? Or should I just look into one of those diesel fired preheaters?



Winter's coming in a couple months and I want to get started on what I need to do, and I hate getting into a cold truck. I had a remote start on my old truck so I'm spoiled.

 

[Whitmore]

Originally posted by CIverson

New diesel owner here.





Is there anything I can do so I can let it idle for 20-30 minutes in the winter, where it will actually warm up and not hurt the engine?



From some reading I see a cold front helps, something about high idlers, and somene said an exhaust brake can help also.





You answered your own question, cols front and exhaust brake are a winning combo. Also use the plug in to give the glycol a headstart. Other than that a heated garage would solve all the problems.



Cheers, Kevin

 

[Bertram65]

The '03s have an automatic high idle if the tempature is below a certain temp, I think it's freezing. It's in the manual and has been discussed a couple times here, if I remember correctly it idles up to 1000 RPM, I do not remember how or when it idles back down if it's left idleing for a long period of time.

 

[CIverson]

Originally posted by Bertram65

The '03s have an automatic high idle if the tempature is below a certain temp, I think it's freezing. It's in the manual and has been discussed a couple times here, if I remember correctly it idles up to 1000 RPM, I do not remember how or when it idles back down if it's left idleing for a long period of time.

Yeah I read about that, but it still states in the manual not to let it idle about the unburnt fuel and stuff.







As for the exhaust brake I would really rather not run one as I have no need for one at all.

 

[TBrennan]

The best option that offers the best of all worlds IMHO is a diesel fired coolant pre-heater.



1) No engine wear as it's not running so run it as long as you want.



2) Engine is warmed and ready, no matter where you are parked (no plug in needed). I would never be able to plug in at work, or at most peoples houses, or at a hotel, or ... .



3) Uses the minimal amount of diesel needed to warm things up.



4) Can be used to pre-heat cab also by activating heater fan.



I'll be getting an espar unit ASAP. With the timer you can set it to come on each day at a different time.



Anyone got an espar on an '03 yet?

 

[CIverson]

Originally posted by TBrennan

The best option that offers the best of all worlds IMHO is a diesel fired coolant pre-heater.



1) No engine wear as it's not running so run it as long as you want.



2) Engine is warmed and ready, no matter where you are parked (no plug in needed). I would never be able to plug in at work, or at most peoples houses, or at a hotel, or ... .



3) Uses the minimal amount of diesel needed to warm things up.



4) Can be used to pre-heat cab also by activating heater fan.



I'll be getting an espar unit ASAP. With the timer you can set it to come on each day at a different time.



Anyone got an espar on an '03 yet?

That does sound like the best option so far. You got a website url for that espar unit? Wonder if there are any w/ a remote so I can use it like a remote start.

 

[TBrennan]

Here is their website.



Click on Pickups. The 7 day timer is an optional accessory as well as a remote control unit.



Correction, it looks like the 7 day timer is standard (at least for the Dodge kit) but the remote is optional.



With an aftermarket security system and the schematic for the remote, you should be able to start it using the remote for the secuirty system, assuming it has at least one auxillary output.