•
Make sure you use proper cold weather engine oil and that it is at its
proper level. Also, if necessary, make sure to follow the engine oil and
filter change schedule found under the
Special operating conditions
section in the
scheduled maintenance guide
information.
•
At temperatures of -10°F (-23°C) or below, it is recommended that
you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.
•
If operating in arctic temperatures of -20°F (-29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Note:
Idling in cold weather will not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a buildup of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick, which in turn, can cause valve train damage.
The following cold weather idling guidelines must be followed:
•
Avoid idling the engine for more than 10 minutes at a time.
•
Use Motorcraft Cetane improvers or non alcohol-based cetane
improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
•
Maintain the engine cooling system properly.
•
Do not shut the engine down after an extensive idling period
(10 minutes or more). Drive the vehicle for several miles with the
engine at normal operating temperatures under a moderate load to
burn off any accumulated carbon and varnish.
•
Consider using an engine block heater.
•
For extended idle times use an approved idle speed increase device.
Winter operating tips for Arctic operation -20°F (-29°C) and below
The following information is provided as a guideline only, and is not
intended to be the only source of possible solutions in resolving extreme
cold temperature issues.
Starting aids:
The use of the factory engine block heater (refer to
Engine block heater
[if equipped]
in the
Driving
chapter of the
Owner’s Guide
) and oil pan
heaters (aftermarket) will assist in engine starting, in extreme cold
ambient temperatures.
WARNING:
Do not use starting fluid, such as ether, in the air
intake system (see air filter decal). Such fluid could cause
immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.
Driving
15
2010 Econoline
(eco)
Supplement
(supplement)
, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)
