Duramax Block heater cord

[BigAl52]

Dave
Don't be afraid to use that grille cover as one of our mechanics uses his most of the winter. Keep in mind that you have alot more oil and antifreeze to warm up than you do in a gas engine so it will take a little longer. Also we don't plug our Big trucks in till it gets close to zero here in Colorado. It also take quit awhile to warm them up to where there is comfortable heat coming out of the heater. I would also agree with one poster that remarked about an oil for the winter. But that is another reason I use the synthetic as it flows better in extreme conditions such as cold weather. Take care Al

[Illini Trekker]

The Allison recommends minimum of 20 minutes for engine warm up. The engine will be plenty warm by then, if you have 20 min. to give it!

You that follow The Dieselplace.com may have seen the oil pan heaters, they can raise oil to 60 degrees.SeeYa

[kmh3212]

A little note about warming diesel engines at idle is not a good idea. Diesels use so little fuel idling that they won't do a good job warming the engine. The engine needs good thin warm oil for lubricating the cylinder walls. Another good reason for a block heater. Ford has an AIC auto idle control for cold climates and ambulance use where they need to idle for long periods. Unless you have AIC it is better on the engine to drive off and put a load on the engine to help it get up to temperature. Of course be a little easy on the throttle for the first couple of blocks.

[rickety]

That's what I do when it's cold. Start up and wait for oilpressure and then drive fairly slowly for a couple of blocks to get a little wrm oil onto the cylinder walls.
That's what my diesel buy said to do the day i bought it. It seems to work.

[Bear Hunter]

Just my 2 cents worth but. I live in northern Mich and we have weeks of sub zero temps during the winter. I am on my 4th diesel truckm 3 chevy's 1 dodge. The only one I ever plugged in was my first chevy an 82. Every truck has had well over 150,000 miles without engine trouble. The one I did plug in was only until I received the first electric bill. 750 watt block heaters running all night eat a lot. Don't mind a cold truck in the AM and never had an oil pressure problem. High oil pressure might mean you need to change your oil viscosity for the winter. Just my opinion but I may be wrong.
Semper Fi