3.0L Diesel in Cold Weather

[ScottLars]

I just picked up my first Gladiator last week, a 21' with 3.0L eco diesel. This is also my first diesel engine vehicle. At what temps should I consider plugging in my Jeep overnight to keep it from freezing/gelling?

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[jeepin48]

I am also curious if people are leaving them plugged in all night or on a timer for 3 hours in the morning. I guess it depends on how many watts our block heater is and how much power we want to burn.

 

[Mr._Bill]

If you are using winterized fuel, gelling should not be a problem. The block heater makes it easier to start, gets it up to operating temperature and provides cabin heat quicker. I used a timer with my Duramax diesel that would turn it on four hours prior to departure. Less than that caused sensor issues due to uneven block temperatures.

 

[whiteglad]

Check your owner's manual. On the early 12-valve Rams, we plugged them in for an hour or so at zero degrees F.

 

[ScottLars]

Thanks for the replies. The owners manual states routinely under 20 degrees F. I'm in KY so we don't see sustained temps under 20 very often but it does get that cold overnight frequently. Also, I'm not sure if the stations here would sell the climatized fuel or not.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Thanks for the replies. The owners manual states routinely under 20 degrees F. I'm in KY so we don't see sustained temps under 20 very often but it does get that cold overnight frequently. Also, I'm not sure if the stations here would sell the climatized fuel or not.

Usually, the regular consumer fuel stations have it already blended to match the climate.

I would plug mine in whenever it dropped to around 35 or below, mostly for personal comfort.

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