Warming up the Cummins?

[Jfoster]

How are you guys warming up your trucks in the AM? In the past, (brand “X”) I’ve fired up the truck, let the oil pressure build and let it idle for 20-30 seconds, and take off, running gentle until full operating temp is reached. Is this correct for the Cummins? The manual states something to the effect the Manifold heaters will cycle for a period of time depending on the outside temperature. It also states something like they will not cycle if you exceed 18 mph. What is the best way? (FYI, my average morning temp is usually about 40F this time of year. )
Thanks.


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2001. 5 4X4 HO Quad Cab 6 spd LWB, all the normal toys

 

[Papa Joe]

Once I have oil pressure, I creep on down the road. I don't go over 2000 rpm nor do I romp on it until it's at operating temperature (about 7-8 miles). Don't get me wrong though, two miles from my house I'm at 55 mph. I just don't mash it until it's up to temp. JMHO, Joe #ad


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White 2001 QuadCab 2500 Laramie SLT, HO 6-speed, 3. 54 limited slip, Mopar exhaust brake, towing/camper options, Rhino liner, Grover Air Horns (not yet installed), Un BOMBed (so far), DUAL AIR BAGS !!

 

[illflem]

I warm mine the same way you did your brand X only difference being I let the heaters finish cycling before driving,they say that is 3 minutes max,mine have never gone that long though. If the heaters don't come on I take off when the oil pressure is up for a bit,maybe 20 seconds. If you have an auto it's a good idea to do your brief warm up in N.

 

[ggorney]

If the block heater has been plugged in all night (6 hours for me)is it OK to run at moderate throttle then? By moderate throttle I mean shifting at 2500 RPM's.

 

[Pete Peterson]

ggorney, even after being plugged in all night(just like I do), 2500 RPM is still a little high in the band for the first few miles. Let your gauge needle come up a little first. Pete

 

[Alan Reagan]

I do the 20-30 seconds, ease down the drive and then shift at about 1900 and don't exceed 2000 until I've gone a couple of miles. On a real cold morning, I move out slowly, let her almost idle till I reach the end of my driveway (50 yds) then ease down the street. I live in the country so I'm not in anybody's way but my own.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[Jfoster]

Sounds like I'm right on track. I've pretty much been following all your suggestions. One thing I'll say is this thing is a heck of a lot quieter and smoother that the Powerstroke when it's cold.

 

[TowPro]

I start mine up, wait till I see oil pressure, turn on the BD brake, go back inside for 3-4 minutes, come out, and hop in the truck with heat already starting out the vents, and go!

 

[Bigsaint]

Plug it in and set it up on a HD timer so that it is "hot" for two hours before you leave. When you leave, let the oil pressure come up and then wait another minute, then try to keep the rpm's around 2000 or so until you see the water temp. start to rise. I try to keep mine at 2000 rpms until I reach 190F on the water temp. gauge. If your low temps. drop below 25F, add another hour to the plug in time. If your not at a location where you can plug in, start after the "wait to start" light goes out, wait for the oil pressure to come up, add 1 minute, and then drive conservatively until your up to running temp. The most important thing to remember is not extended idle is no good and will not help your Cummins in cold climates.

Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,Edge EZ,Psychotty air,Bully Dog stage III injectors,ATS 3 piece manifold,HX40 turbo,4" BD exhaust,4" BD E-brake,McLeod clutch,Mallory 4150 lift pump,Mag-Hytec rear,Mopar tonneau,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
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[David Wheeler]

Jfoster,

Also might want to flip down your sun visor on the drivers side. I believe there are some cold starting instructions there as well. All of the other info previously posted is the same advice I was given when asking the same question.

Good luck!

David

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2001 Ram 3500 Quad 4x4, ETH/DEE

"REAL TRUCKS RATTLE!!"