how low of a tempature do you plug in a 24 valve c.t.d?. it starts fine at 3 above no smoke or any engine noise it turns maybe 2 times and its running but there is a groaning noise coming from the front of the engine does any one know what that might be maybe the power steering but it goes away in about 10 to 15 minutes or 7 to 10 miles.is this normal this is my first 24 valve c.t.d. thanks

 

Plug it in if you feel the need to. It doesn't cost much in electricity to use. I don't remember how low the CTD will start (-15* maybe ???). Bottom line, if you think you need it, use it.

 

The vehicles owners manual states that the recommended temp. for plugging in ther engine heater is 40 degrees F. I usually plug mine in if the weather is forcasted to drop below that. But as you said, it will still start fine, but plugging it in results in faster warm-up times, and just plain easier on the beast.

 

I usually plug mine in if it gets below 20 or so. Like cody said, it is just a lot easier on the engine when it gets cold to plug it in. I have also noticed that groaning noise, tried to figure out where it was coming from but haven't been able to yet. Does any one know what this noise is from? thanks dave

 

I usualy plug mine in if i need to wear a jacket when i am outside it might be overkill but it sure makes it easier to start and easier on the batts. because the grid heater doesn't have to work so long.

 

I solved this problem with a trip to LOWS. In the plumbing area they had timers and plug in thermostats pre set for 38 degf. Set the timer and plug the thermostat in the timer and the truck into the thermostat. So when the timer is on and it is below 38 degf the heater is on.
I set mine to come on at 3:00am and off at 12:00pm (just in case I take a day off and sleep in). Just get into the habit of plugging it in and let technology take care of the rest. I put a picture up in my Gallery of the parts. I had to open the timer and turn the plug around so the thermostat would fit right or you could also get a 6 inch pig tail.

 

The noise is probably the power steering pump. Some members have switch to a synthetic to reduce or eliminate the growl. Phil

 

Why would it be the power steering pump making the noise?

 

it all turns with the serpentine it takes the oil a bit to warm up and the gears to stop whining they have to work today, our tractors do it all the time, but at that temp i guess we do too quite a bit

 

My problem is the 5 year old batteries that came with the truck - not the truck's fault!

Plugging it in helps substantially.

The groan you hear is most likely in fact, the power steering pump. I will be changing to synthetics when money allows.

Matt

 

I plug in as soon as I can see my breath. I'm lucky that my work provides plug ins for the employees.

The groaning is the power steering pump. Mine does that when the temp is in the -'s.

Ben

 

I plug in my when the temp hits -15C which it has been for the last three days here in toronto and for the next two days it will hit -35C with the wind chill. I have my pluged into a timer for 3am-6am i leave my house at 6:30 so it starts up great, and oh ya at these temps the steering pump moans and groans for about 15-20mins, will look into synth. during the summer.

 

It is really a matter of personal preference and wallet size for those concerned about the electric bill. I plug mine in when I know it is going to get in the twenty's or below and leave it in all night. I personally do not worry about the electric bill.

 

I use the timer method also. Anytime the temps are below 32deg. F I plug in and let the timer turn on at 0300 and off at 0700.......

 

Might as well ante up, so heres my nickel....Everyone has pretty much stated the facts as they are. YOU DO whatever makes you comfortable. My opinion is that ANYTIME you start ANY engine COLD, that you have the most wear and tear on it. Most people don't worry about cold starting, just start and go......oil pressure pegged through to roof......I plug mine in everytime the water turns solid.