My commute to work is not very far and I'm concerned with the engine not getting up to temp long enough.

Would plugging it in for the winter AND using the exhaust brake for faster warmups help with this issue?

If so how much?

TIA

 

I wouldn't worry to much about it. But having said that, You should take it out and let it stretch it's legs a couple times a week. You should put your foot through the firewall every once in a while and get the temps up.

I don't think a couple of days of cranks and not fully warming up will hurt it as long as you do get it to full operating temp every few days or so. My 2 cents.

 

I am in the same situation, in that I am only a couple minutes from work.

In the winter I do plug in below freezing, and if you have a Jake brake you may as well turn it on (once oil pressure has come up and stabalized) while you scrape windows.

Mostly, though, I also think it is important to get it fully warm at least once a week. Run it long enough to drive condensation/moisture out of the oil, and hard enough to burn off any carbon from the valves/injectors.

 

Running it up to temp. 2-3 times a week won't be a problem.

I usually tow one day on the weekend. If not I'm running around for long enough for it to get hot.

 

Is the mega cab you have on order in your signature to be your first Cummins?

 

I'd consider getting a winter front as well. You'll reach operating temp real fast, with the flaps closed, if there's a little highway time involved.