Install a turbo timer that has a remote start feature. Can start it up from your office window 2-3 times a day, if needed! They run for 10 min and shut off automatically if key not inserted and turned on!
I use mine everyday when leaving work....to circulate tranny fluid and oil so I can hop in and drop it in gear!

RJ

 

An exhaust brake will increase warm up times and save the service brakes as well..

 

Cummins does NOT reccomend plugging in a 3rd gen at 40F. It is -20F for 5W-40 synthetic, and 0F for 15W40 non synthetic. That is impossible for anyone in a cold climate. That would mean I would have to plug my truck in 6 months a year. Anything above 0F it will start fine and is not harming anything as long as you cycle the glow plugs two or more times. If it's only sitting like 8-10 hours it's not that bad. The longer the worse it is. You wouldn't think so, but overnight compared to like 3 days make a huge difference to. Warm up time varies, summer 1 min, really cold winter up to 15 mins.

 

Whether there is a recommendation or not is beyond me. But, if your starting the truck at 0F, and it hasn't been plugged in, than your always going to cause more harm to it. The main thing that the block heater helps with is the engine temp and the oil flow. The colder the oil is, even if it's a synthetic, the slower it'll flow. A slower flowing oil takes longer to circulate and thus creates more wear on the cylinder walls and anything else that is lubed in the engine. If you get that oil warm, before you start the engine, than it will flow like it's summer time outside. But none of that matters if your trying to cycle glow plugs on your truck.

 

You do know the block heater doesn't heat your oil right? Your oil doesn't change one bit if you plug it in. It heats your coolant, and your coolant only. An oil pan heater, or a diesel heater will be 100x more good. I personally plug mine in at 0F and below, and run synthetic. But saying you need to plug it in at 32F is insane. The truck will not even notice, because that's not cold.

 

I use it so that the wife and kids have heat quickly in winter, but this is what I found from Cummins.

Ether MUST NOT be used for ISB engines. The ISB comes equipped from the factory with an integrated grid heater for cold starting.

In ambient conditions below 0°F, it is recommended to plug in the engine block heater for easier engine starting and to reduce the time for engine warm up. Keep in mind that this only warms the coolant. The rest of the vehicle’s fluids may still be cold.

 

For all ISB's?? What's your source, please?

RJ

 

You do know that the entire engine block is metal, and radiates all of the heat that is produced when the coolant is heated right? It may not heat the oil directly, but the oil definitely gets warm. I never said you need to plug it in at 32F, but it'll definitely make a huge difference in the immediate performance of the engine.

 

[QUOTE=92'1stGen;2541636]You do know that the entire engine block is metal,

OH SNAP!!

 

The truck may start down below 0F unassisted (and that is great) but I plug it in an hour or so before I need to leave. It helps get meaningful cab heat in a lot faster.

 

Doesn't have glow plugs.

 

I guess by that logic it heats up the trans oil to? I mean they are connected by metal?

Yea yea not glow plugs, grid heaters, whatever.....

 

Here is an option for keeping the block warm without 110,

http://www.espar.com/html/products/coolantheaters.html

Do a search of this site on these as well.. I don't want to think about that -40 yet I'm happy with the 90+ temps..

 

No not likely, it's too far of a distance, any kind of heat would dissipate before it reached the trans. The only reason the oil gets heated is because it's immediately on the block. If you don't believe me than next time you plug your truck in put your hand on the oil pan, I bet you it's warm.

Gotta' stay sharp if your going to converse with this crowd.

 

I would recommend going for a diesel fired heater such as the Espar- like I have. It gets frigging cold here- to the point that the truck won't warm up even under load. The espar helped keep your fingers thawed and your windshield clear. I would also recommend the heated seats option(which I don't have) as the truck will take 10 min to get some respectable heat without the espar. ( 2 min with the espar)