Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) winter time suggestions

[MoparMark]

At what temp do you guys plug in the block heater? I have not used mine since I bought the truck last year and was curious what others do. The winter temps here in VA average around 15-25 deg for the lows.

 

[swampfox]

I plug mine in if the temp is going below 20. I use a timer to turn the block heater on about two hours before I plan to start it.

 

[elamb]

I plug mine in as well with a timer, but I go with about 40 deg.



Eric

 

[ntillm01]

I have started to plug mine on regularly since our average lows became 30 degrees F (plus or minus 10). When its around 40, you'll notice faster cab heat. Around 30, your windshield won't be frosty in the morning. Around 20, you'll definitely notice a difference starting.



Read in the owners manual it becomes required at 0 degrees F, running 15W-40 oil.

 

[WadePatton]

They'll start in sub-zero without the heater. It's not a pretty sight.



I plug in for less than 40 and use a throttle depressor stick for high idle. Available at Geno's.



Hey Eric, where you been?

 

[Bratton]

I almost never plug in. I've started at -20 just letting the Grid heaters cycle twice. I have the Cold Weather Idle feature enabled and when it is that cold it cuts fuel to 3 cylinders and the truck heats up in about 10 minutes on its own. I have owned Dodge Cummins trucks for the last 10 years and have very seldom used the block heaters and have yet to notice any detrimental effects. I do however, change to the 10W 30 Rotella for winter time use, as opposed to the 15W40 the rest of the year.

 

[Sageair]

Whenever I have to break more than an inch of ice off the horses water trough.

 

[Hohn]

I have found that with a little nitromethane in the tank, your temps come right up. Egt will momentarily spike to 6000 degrees, but the heater will work. I have heard that this is hard on the engine, though.



Justin