First time diesel owner - Need advice on my 2024 F-350 6.7 turbo

Advice Needed
1

Hey everyone, I’m new to diesels and need some guidance on a few things with my 2024 F-350 6.7 turbo:

  1. Cold starts: When do I plug in the block heater? I’ve heard conflicting advice—some say anytime it’s below 32°F, others say not until it’s below 15°F.

  2. Remote starting and idling: Is it bad for the engine? I always thought diesels needed to warm up a bit before driving, but I could be wrong.

  3. Exhaust filter: It’s already at 50% after just 3,000 miles. I do a lot of short trips, which I know isn’t great. Should I be worried and adjust my habits?

Lastly, are there any general tips on driving style? I haven’t driven a diesel since a 6-speed manual 20 years ago. Should I ease into acceleration, or can the new 10-speed handle it fine?

Thanks in advance for the help!

2

I’ve got a ‘97 7.3, so take this with a grain of salt, but you don’t need to worry about plugging in at 32°F with a new truck.

Newer diesels handle cold starts way better. Even mine will start at 0°F, though not happily. Short trips and idling can cause issues over time, especially since emissions equipment won’t complete a regen cycle. Diesels like to run warm and steady.

3

@Rey
My 2002 7.3 just started after sitting for two weeks in 20°F. My kid even gave me a fist bump when it fired up. I always cycle the glow plugs before starting.

4

@Rey
Newer trucks have fast-start glow plugs, which are way better than the old ones from pre-6.4 engines.

5

For longer idling, you should use the fast idle feature. Ford designed this for situations like ambulances. I wired mine to one of the auxiliary switches, and it turns off when you hit the brake.

6

Short trips are rough on newer diesels. The exhaust never gets hot enough, which clogs the filter. Try taking it on the highway for a solid 45-minute drive once a week. That’ll help clear it out. Short idling is okay, but avoid letting it idle forever. We have three 6.7s, and they’re constantly on the highway—no issues at all.

7

There’s nothing wrong with plugging it in except for the electric bill. A warm engine is a happy engine, and you’ll get warm air faster. I plug mine in below freezing and let it idle for 30 seconds to a minute before driving. Also, take it easy for the first five minutes to let the transmission and differential warm up.

8

@Valen
Agreed. You can use adjustable timers or thermostats to save on the electric bill. If you’re doing short trips, plugging it in becomes even more important to get some heat in the engine.

9

Excessive idling is bad, but a few minutes isn’t a huge deal as long as you drive it enough to get everything hot.

10

Fire it up and give it some heat!

11

If it’s legal where you live, consider deleting the DEF system. They cause tons of problems. But maybe wait until the warranty expires.

12

  1. I’d plug in at 20°F. Use an outdoor timer so it starts heating a few hours before you leave.

  2. Long idling is bad. Modern diesels make their worst emissions when cold and take longer to warm up without a load. Drive gently after 3–5 minutes of idling to warm it up faster.

  3. If you’re doing lots of short trips, diesels aren’t ideal. They’re happiest running near their torque peak on longer drives. Consider changing your driving habits or routes to keep it healthy.

13

  1. I’m in a warm region, so I can’t help there.

  2. Let it idle for 3–5 minutes to get the lubrication flowing, then drive gently until it warms up fully.

  3. Keep an eye on the regen cycle and take it for a good drive when needed. Long, steady drives are best for these trucks.

14

  1. Plug it in if it’s below 15°F, but modern injection systems and glow plugs can handle even colder starts.

  2. Avoid idling for hours, but short idles are fine as long as you drive enough to burn off soot.

  3. Ford’s exhaust filter percentages are quirky. 70% and below is fine. It regens at 71–100%, and above 120% means there’s an issue. Drive it how you intend to daily so the transmission learns your habits. Stay on top of maintenance and use good-quality fuel.

15

  1. Properly treated fuel is more critical for cold starts than plugging in with a new vehicle. I don’t plug in my 2020 6.7 until it’s 0°F. My older 7.3s get plugged in at 30°F because they’re worn.

  2. Excessive idling can cause cylinder wash and wear. I don’t idle mine for more than 10 minutes. Below freezing, I let it idle for a couple of minutes before driving.

  3. These trucks need a load to run efficiently. Short trips fill the DPF quickly. Take longer drives or hook up a trailer to keep it clean.

16

I keep mine plugged in all winter, but when I daily drove it, I used a timer to heat it for a few hours before starting. I’d let it idle for a minute or two, then drive gently. If it’s really cold, idling for an hour isn’t the end of the world.

17

Try using fuel additives like Archoil, Stanadyne, or Amsoil. They help with regens and can boost your MPG slightly, so they pay for themselves over time.