Lately I've been complaining about the amount of time it takes for my 2004 Cummins engine to warm up. This week it is -30C outside at night and -25C during the day. I took the truck into the dealership this morning (second visit for this problem) and the dealer called to say they will be replacing the thermostat.

The dealer was unclear whether the thermostat was defective, although I am assuming it is. I have a winter front on the truck and I also slipped a piece of cardboard in front of the rad (behind the oil cooler) with a 9" square hole cut in it (to allow some air). From a cold start in the morning (plugged in), driving at city speeds, after 25 minutes, the coolant temp needle was just touching the cold end of "normal"!

I've read a few accounts of others who say they have a "normal" temp needle position after a couple of miles in -30C weather(which I found hard to believe).

The thermostat is on "back order" so it won't get replaced until next week. If anyone is interested, I'll let you know if it makes a difference.

 

Man-oh-man, -30C is cold. When it is 32F, without plugging my truck in, I get warm air in about 5 minutes. But to get to normal operating temp takes a good 15 miles on the freeway.

Seems that you would at least have warm air after a short bit if your plugging it in.

When I plug in, I have it on a timer to start warming 4 hours before I start my day. Seems to be enough. But it seldom gets colder than 15F here.

Is your block heater working??

 

I get heat within a few minutes as well, but the air never really gets hot until the temp guage gets into the normal zone. My block heater is working, but doesn't really do alot to speed up the engine warming process. Ok, maybe it helps a bit.

 

kayjh, I'm on the same side off the line as you and seeing the same temps. A good friend has had his 04 back to the dealer for heat probs also and they can't seem to straighten it out yet. The last time he went to the dealership he stuck a 5ft fence post in the exhaust to keep it warm while inside! This is a common thing for him and is the only way to get heat. An exhaust brake will be on the truck if they ever approve it and he is not happy right now hauling a hockey team in that cold back seat. That airbag switch should our choice not dc.

 

If your getting warm air pretty quick with the block heater and it's -30C, then I'd say it might well be working normal. All the CTD's I've owned are slow on the warm up in real cold weather. And as I mentioned real cold for me is 15F and I have to go about 15 miles to get a normal temp reading.

However, my gauge is at the first notch in about 5 miles. Yours should be as well, especially with the rad cover on. So, perhaps you do have a problem.

I'm having a blonde moment!!!

 

I'll report back next week after the thermostat change. If necessary, I would consider adding an "Espar" diesel fired heater (provided I don't get more blow by or exhaust fumes in the cab!).

 

klayjh I'd be surprised if a T-stat helps. These trucks with their large cooling capacities and the thermal efficiency of HPCR diesels it's going to take a long time to build heat. There have been a lot of posts on this subject and many experience the same as you, including myself. I just dress warm and let my truck take its time.

Vaughn

 

I totally agree with you. But life without hope ......

 

Have you thought about getting a espar heater? I found them at www.lubespecialist.com. Goodluck in the cold