Winter

bigdaddy1385 · 11-17-2009, 03:30 PM

I have an 04.5 lly duramax and i am from the northwest missouri. I was wanting to get different people's opinions on fuel additives and plugging in this motor. I have been told to not plug it in until it gets down to 0 degrees. Any opinions on that? I have also been told that putting fuel additives won't do any good because places like mfa already treat the diesel for winter. Should i plug in my truck and should i run additives?

**scottdomine** · 11-17-2009, 03:35 PM

Additives are good for many other things besides just winter, so use something whether it be Amsoil, Diesel Kleen, Lucas, or 2-stroke oil. Plugging in will not hurt anything no matter what the temp is. If it were cold here in AZ

I would plug mine in too!

bigdaddy1385 · 11-17-2009, 03:38 PM

Yeah, i was just wondering about running winter additives. I wondered if they did any good. Thanks though. I talked to a friend and he has an 08 duramax and they told him that he shouldn't plug it in until it got down to 0. Any idea why this would be?

q10559 · 11-17-2009, 03:40 PM

I plug mine in when it gets below 30F. I hate driving a cold truck. Run an addative too. It'll keep your injectors clean and your fuel from gelling.

bigdaddy1385 · 11-17-2009, 03:47 PM

Thanks, other opinions will be appreciated.

loners · 11-17-2009, 06:17 PM

I usually plug mine in when it gets down to 0 (32F). Helps get the heat flowing faster on the colder mornings.

techinny · 11-17-2009, 06:43 PM

I was forced to run my DMAX last winter as my winter truck had mechanical issues. It sat outside, I never plugged it in or put any additives in it, and did not have one hint of problems. I did start it about 20 min. before I left for work though. About the only precaution I did do, was to face it to the east instead of the west like I normally do so the wind would not be on the engine. I did not run the winter front either and seemed to have enough heat to get by, just had to keep the fan on higher longer. Hopefully the winter truck will hold together this year, it has remote start on it!!!

K9Duramax · 11-17-2009, 07:09 PM

The trucks will start fine (mine did UNPLUGGED in -30 F last year)- it is just easier on the truck to have it plugged in, however when it is "too" warm, and it is plugged in some have reported throwing a check engine light. Make sure whatever additive you use, that it DOES NOT CONTAIN ALCOHOL!!!! GM recommends staying away from this, it is harmful to the fuel system.

**mrmanners** · 11-17-2009, 07:16 PM

Fuel additives, depending on which one you use will help more than just keeping it from gelling up. They are going to clean and lubricate your fuel system and injectors. Something ULSD alone can't do. Adding and additive with an anti-gel agent in the winter is a good idea, even if they are using winter blend fuel. Better safe than sorry in my opinion.

Personally, I am running AMSOIL Fuel Concentrate and Cetane booster in every full tank fill up. While every truck react differently, I have seen a smoother running, quicker starting engine with less smoke than before. Plus my fuel economy has increased as well.

Have never used a block heater. Not really required in GA. Sorry I can't be of more help with that.

If I can be of assistance with anything, don't hesitate to ask

Take care,

kmontez · 11-17-2009, 08:28 PM

I had no idea these trucks have heaters... Where are they for? How important is it to use it? Do you plug into your house?? I live in Southern New Mexico, it gets down to 10Degrees F... What is the reason u need to use it?