Climate Question

[jruck]

I've never dealt with this before. I live in Central Florida. We are expecting temps in the 20s on Sunday with a wispy 35mph wind so feels in the teens. I have the 3.0L Duramax. Do I need to plug it in? Thanks!

 

[scubatech]

No. It has a cold start system, glow plugs I believe. So it will automatically heat them up. Just turn the key to the on position and wait until the light goes out.

 

[AXE]

I've never dealt with this before. I live in Central Florida. We are expecting temps in the 20s on Sunday with a wispy 35mph wind so feels in the teens. I have the 3.0L Duramax. Do I need to plug it in? Thanks!

Probably not, but look in the manual. I know some of these new block heaters are controlled by the computers and may not even come on until it hits a certain temp. Ive heard some people say its much lower than freezing.

The older trucks would come on as soon as you plugged in and stay that way until you disconnect.

I've started plenty of diesel trucks and equipment in mid 20s with no issue. Just takes the glow plugs longer to heat up.

 

[jruck]

No. It has a cold start system, glow plugs I believe. So it will automatically heat them up. Just turn the key to the on position and wait until the light goes out.

Maybe a stupid question, but why does it come with a cable to plug into the front?

 

[AXE]

Maybe a stupid question, but why does it come with a cable to plug into the front?

That's definitely for the block heater. I think he's referring to the glow plugs and def tank heater system.

 

[scubatech]

For extreme cold climates. But, like Axe said diesels start a lot easier than they used to. I would guess 20-30 seconds, for the glow plugs to heat up and the wait light to go out.

 

[jruck]

Appreciate you guys. If you ever need help with hurricanes I got you.

 

[scubatech]

My next door neighbor moved to Florida. Palm Bay.

He drives a Semi. He was sick of always being in the snow and ice, especially I-80, across Wyoming. The drivers with a lot of time usually took the southern routes to avoid this. He likes Florida, although he told me the summers are pretty brutal! LOL. We don't see many hurricanes out west, unless Miami plays college football.

 

[Leon L]

The advantages are it would probably start right up, no waiting for the glow plugs, and it would probably get your heater/defroster working a little quicker since the engine will be warmed, but you don't need to plug it in for the temperatures your in.

 

[MrScottly]

Chevy Tech Support claims the truck will start with no glow plugs, all the way down to Minus 10d F. I never tested that claim. All the block heater will do is make your oil a bit softer than chocolate ice cream if it spends many hours in extreme temps. Now you may wish to put a bottle of anti-gel in your fuel tank...I never have. I'm near Tampa Bay.

 

[scubatech]

We used to run these block heaters full time on large snow removal equipment. The results were a lot of burned up block heaters. The block heater should be on a timer and run a short duration. As Leon mentioned, being plumbed into the water jacket on the block, it doesn't take very long to get heat in the cab and for the thermostat to fully open. Some of these units get pretty hot. My friend who is an electrician put his on a heavy duty timer. When he needs it he plugs it into the timer and it runs for maybe two hours, right before he starts up the truck. I like diesels, but they have become very expensive overall to own. If you really need a diesel for towing, there is nothing better. In that regard, I believe it will pay for itself. I've owned five diesel powered cars and trucks over the years and now I'm an old geezer and a gasser works for me. I tow nothing these days. An HD truck with a diesel will sell for more money, typically but, you will pay at least $ 10K more when you buy it. The after treatment sucks, as many have pointed out. Also change your oil often on a diesel engine! Extended intervals on a compression ignition engine are a no-no. I hope you don't mind reading my long ass post, LOL.

 

[dwarthog]

The info below is from the owners manual.

I've no idea on how to check if your cord has the internal thermostat. If it does it won't even activate in the temps your expected to see.

"If equipped, the engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist,which will prevent engine heater operation at temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F)."

 

[AXE]

The info below is from the owners manual.

I've no idea on how to check if your cord has the internal thermostat. If it does it won't even activate in the temps your expected to see.

"If equipped, the engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist,which will prevent engine heater operation at temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F)."

Yep, that's what I was referring too. If it's not cold enough it won't even come on.

Also block heaters will not significantly warm the oil in the pan, as they sit well above the pan. If you want your oil or transmission pan to warm up, they make kits for those. But again you should be running 5W oil in really cold climates.

I've seen temps as low as -74F with windchill. Your diff fluid is so stiff, you can't back out of your parking spot without throttling up. Have to drive slow the first mile......LOL.

 

[wurgs]

You will be fine not plugging it in. I haven't plugged mine in yet this winter and been outside at work for up to 10hrs in below 0 weather and has started just fine. Wind doesn't matter to the engine, just actual temp so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jruck]

My next door neighbor moved to Florida. Palm Bay.

He drives a Semi. He was sick of always being in the snow and ice, especially I-80, across Wyoming. The drivers with a lot of time usually took the southern routes to avoid this. He likes Florida, although he told me the summers are pretty brutal! LOL. We don't see many hurricanes out west, unless Miami plays college football.

I live in West Melbourne. We back right up to Palm Bay.

 

[jruck]

It’s crazy how you never think of these things. Then, the night before you’re like uh wow do I need to make an adjustment here? 14 degrees this morning. The truck started up just fine I let it warm up for a good amount of time until the engine sounded like normal idle 3.0L. I really appreciate all the insight. There is so much garbage on the internet you can google anything but not always good information.

 

[wurgs]

It’s crazy how you never think of these things. Then, the night before you’re like uh wow do I need to make an adjustment here? 14 degrees this morning. The truck started up just fine I let it warm up for a good amount of time until the engine sounded like normal idle 3.0L. I really appreciate all the insight. There is so much garbage on the internet you can google anything but not always good information.

That is the key, let it warm up a few minutes. Below zero I start it through the app about 20 minutes early and let run a full cycle and then start it right before I am ready to leave.