6.7L Cummins Forum

bobsquarepants · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 01:56 AM

While the sun is still shining and we still have a bit of fall left up in the cold north (Canada) I am prepping my new 09 2500 6.7 for winter. I strapped on a couple of battery blankets, and ran a cord into the interior for a interior warmer for those -30 to -40C mornings...but it got me thinking, at what temp do some of you guys plug these trucks in? I know for most in this forum this probably doesn't apply, but just curious for those who do what the concensus is.

DWRDodge6.7 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 01:18 PM

I check the weather channel every evening and if they are calling for an over night temperature of -20 C then I plug in the truck. I will probably do the same with my wife's new diesel Grand.

Quickndead · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 12:01 AM

When I lived in Pennsylvania with the 97 12v, I plugged it in below freezing just because the heater worked quicker and it was easier to start!

steve · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 12:50 AM

I have pluged mine in a few times when it was going to be below 20*f ,but the owners manual tells when they say you "should" plug it in and when you "have" to plug it in.?

AKBliss · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 01:30 PM

I live in Alaska and my 09 has started at -10 f without plugging in. these trucks are supposed to have better cold start performance. I would recommend plugging it in if it is below 20 f. so the heater will get warm before you get to your destination. To save money plug into a timer and have it set a couple hours before you head off to work.

bobsquarepants · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:16 PM

thanks for all the opinions, yep...the manual says -18C its recommended, -28C its required (eye roll)...I have a feeling it will be plugged in most of the winter here.

One other thought is the use of a winter front to keep the temp up in the city, anyone use those snap-in grill type? or anyone have any other thoughts?

Squid · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:56 PM

I too have started mine at around -15 F but I do like the idea of using a timer to warm up the truck before I head out.

Garlic · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:35 AM

Dang!!!! Now I feel like a woose. Here it is deamed as real cold if the temps drop below +10*F. I plugged mine is several times last year just to see what difference it makes at moderate temps. It does make some difference, heater warm up time is definitley faster, engine crank time? no real difference. I have tried 2 and 3 hour plug in times, I don't feel the heater is big enough (High enough heat out put) to heat a cold engine, but it will maintain a warm engine if it left plugged in over night.

mcclendon5 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 02:41 PM

Speaking of winter, do our trucks have a block heater? I read on Geno's that all diesels do but don't always have the cord. I know that i was told when I bought my truck that it has a 0 degree start capability. Just curios. I doubt in North Texas I will ever need to plug it in, maybe once every three years does it get that cold here.

bobsquarepants · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 04:29 PM

Texas I wish! -2C or 28F here today and snow...

Here is another one for you, they say in the manual to use the exhaust brake for quicker warm ups...

So this morning the temp was -6C, I started it up, it was the typical idle speed, then about a minute or so and it went into high idle...I had the EB on, and it sounded like a jet taking off and I assume the turbo was working pretty hard as I had alot of turbo whine. I'm guessing this is not a good thing to do?

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