Cold Weather Operating Temperatures

[DIESELMAX403]

I noticed as the weather has been getting cooler, my truck has been having trouble reaching operating temperature. In the warmer months, the truck warms up and maintains 200-210 degF. Today was 50 degF during my drive to work (35 miles) and my trucks coolant temperature never stabilized. The temperature rose to 160 then slowly to ~200 before dropping quickly down to ~175. After a few cycles of 175-195-175, the range changed to 185-195-185. The temperature remained unstable for the rest of my ride to work.

I would expect the temperature to cycle a few times before reaching normal operating temperature and then only vary +/- 5 degF. I was wondering if my thermostat is not working properly or is this normal for a D/A. I have not tried the front bra yet as outside temperatures are still reaching 70-75 degF during the day.

[ 11-14-2003, 01:51 PM: Message edited by: DIESELMAX403 ]

[max out]

I too have noticed the same thing , seem Diesels really don't like the cold weather much. I've talked to guy's at work that also have Diesel's and there seeing the same thing , Must be normal for colder temp's.

[1BADDMAX]

My truck also does the same thing. Usually on longer road trips it will stabilize between 160 and 210 on the gauge.

[letsgo]

FYI, I have never seen this temperature cycling that you are discribing, this will be my Dmax third winter but I have already put its brazier on and when it gets to -1C or 30F it will have the jock strap put on.

the wife says its a guy thing.

[chrisinkanata]

I'm with letsgo on this one. I'm about 250 miles northeast of him. It's been a bit cooler here this week (20-30 deg F). My truck takes longer to warm up completely - probably 10 miles at highway speed, but once there, it's a steady as in the summer.

Chris

[needbigtruck]

You guys in the warmer climates probably won't have use for the front covers. In fact I hear GM isn't even supplying them anymore. I've put mine on, never driven in the cold without so I'm not sure it helps much. These motors are pretty efficient, the heater (a tiny radiator) is enough to cool the motor down if parked ideling long with the heater on high. I'm not sure why yours was oscillating like that, mabey a function of the 2 thermostats. I'm not sure I understand the reason for 2 thermostats. Don't worry much about it, it's just the colder weather