It takes my truck a long time to heat up. Once winter hits, it almost doesn't get over 140 by the time I get to work.

I seem to remember someone posting a stick on electric heater that I could apply to the back of the radiator....I'm open to any and all suggestions on how to get my truck to warm up quicker.

 

What does the temp get to in the summer and how long does it take to get there...time distance? Also, how far to work do you have to drive? Do the temps attempt to rise when sitting in traffic? Honestly, my first thought is the thermostat is stuck open. There's also the possibility that the temp. sending unit is bad and the temps are actually running normal, just not shown correctly on the gauge. If it was me, I'd replace the thermostat and see what happens.

 

Eventually, it gets to 160. It seems to stay there for the mot part. I'll take it out and test, but it's always taken a while to heat. I think the heat exchanger in the wvo tank is part of the reason.

My goal, though, is to have it get warm as quick as my '02 firebird.

 

I think your stat is fine.

Not sure where Roc city is or how cold it gets but here in N. Montana I remove my fan from Nov-June for faster warm ups. Works excellent.

Another thing you can do is leave your climate control set to the recirc position. All the other climate settings pull in cold outside air though the heater core.
My feeling is given the inherent cold bloodiness of the CTD that for much of the year just the heater core is enough to keep the engine cool.
You don't even need the radiator.
In sub zero weather I've watched my temp gauge drop from 160 all the way to the bottom in a matter of seconds just by switching from recirc to a outside air position.

 

But if it only gets to 160 or so, the theromstat is not good. It must have a OE dual valve type. The aftermarket normal stat does not work. You said your WVO heater is in operation and probablly robbing heat from heater. WELL! One hose cannot heat two things. Now Chrysler does make a silicone heater that is belt driven. Put it in the heater hose line and it gets hot qqqquickkkk.

 

[QUOTE=dozer12216;2189444]But if it only gets to 160 or so, the theromstat is not good. QUOTE]


The thermostat would not affect warm-ups. It only comes into play when the operating temp gets high enough for the thermostat to open, thereby allowing coolant to begin flowing, typically at 190 degrees. The only way a thermostat should affect warm-up is if it is stuck in the open position. Or is that what you mean?

 

Dozer, you got a part # for that heater? Sound like what I'm looking for.

 

I'm interested in this too. bought the truck last fall, and it was a cold winter. The fan is coming off and I'm putting in electric seat warmers.

 

To also clarify, I have the fan removed year round and the vent is stuck on defrost, which I would guess is taking outside air. I also use a piece of cardboard on the front (any where from1/4 to the full front).
I live in Rochester (western, New York).

 

Do you have a block heater? I know that mine is warm within 3 miles when I plug in.

 

Not only does the defrost position suck in outside air but it also runs the A/C. Won't effect warm up time but will make it harder to heat the cab.
Defrost is the default mode, sounds like you have a vacuum leak.

You might be in luck, '95&'96 have a vacuum system recall that will fix you right up and even warranty the vacuum system for seven years.
Check here to see if your truck is eligible, you will need your VIN http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/...m('R')

Recall info here http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/720.htm

 

Have you confirmed those temps with another gauge? I don't know what the earlier dashes were like, but the temp gauge in my 98 12v will never get to 90C, its always half way between 60 and 90 degrees, which would be about 140 and 190 F. The truck came with mech. coolant temp gauge under the dash, and it will be at about 170F when the gauge on the dash just begins to move.

 

The t'stat fails in the open position. Replace it and your engine will warm up quicker.

 

Also you may want to install a high idle ether cable or electric solinoid. If you want the best way to get your cummins hot go buy an espar heater system, it burns diesil feul and warms up your coolant. I have one and it is awesome in winter, as long as you remember to tell it when to turn on.

 

Rage, how mu did that run you?