Just want to check in with people at what temp should I start blocking off the rad, and using the block heater, etc?

I'm in Southern Ontario so the odd morning it can be below freezing and has already, but it also is +10 in the morning too.

Input welcome, thanks!

No opinion on blocking radiator but I tend to use the block heater, primarily for the comfort of early cabin heat, beginning at about 25F and would certainly use it regularly if lows were in the mid-teens F. FYI you can put it on a timer set to come on a couple of hours before you need the vehicle and do remember it only heats the block not other systems with fluids like transfer case, tranny and differential so it's best to drive gently for the first little bit will those other fluids circulate and begin to warm up.

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Sold to LOST member my 05 Ltd, GDE Stg II turbo + TCM tune, SunCoast TC w. Transgo kit, Steiger window regulators, Samcos, Fumoto valve, 2nd gen filter head with Lub. Spec. bleeder, Hayden clutch & 11 blade fan, inverted spare, P-1 battery, BF Goodrich Long Trail TAs, Etecno1 glow plugs, timing belt at 50K miles/8 yrs

Southern Ontario has mild winter weather, so I would probably use the rad block during the coldest months (Jan-Feb) only. As far as plugging the block heater, i too start to use it once overnight temps average under the freezing point... Easier to start, cabin heats up faster and less stress on engine. X2 on papaindigo's proposal of using a timer, very useful and only required to be setup for 2-3 hours before start in the morning...

I personnally block off the front grill, remove the Hayden clutch & fan, put back the engine cover, disconnect the air filter box inlet to let the engine breath warmer air (best for MPG in winter). I am about to do the glow plugs and will take the opportunity to reroute EGR cooling fins coolant so to bypass it (have GDE tune), which will help keep the coolant more stable temp-wise. I am also considering having an Amsoil cone filter for winter, just need to figure out the required hardware to do so...

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RIP 10/31/2012
Green Metallic 2006 CRD Limited
GDE Hot tune ~ Pre-F37 TCM ~ Transgo shift kit ~ MagnaFlow ~ Homemade Provent ~ OME 2" lift & Airlift ~ Samco ~ Euro TC ~ Lift pump ~ Nylon fan blade & Hayden clutch ~ Etc!

I like some of your winterizing methods, might try and remove the fan this winter and replace it with the setup you have in the spring.
no over heating issues without the main fan? what temps are safe to run without a clutch fan?

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-05 Dark Khaki Limited CRD. GDE ECO tune. In-tank lift pump, Transgo doo doo kit, B&M trans cooler, replaced trans solenoid pack and filters, Newer Michelin tires, Timing belt with all related parts replaced at 110,000miles.

Just got my new snow boots on my winter rims. Firestone Winter force 245/70R16. They look mean. Local dealer had a buy 3 get 1 free deal.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

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2006 Sport, GDE FT Eco Tune, Custom Trans Tune
2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel, GDE Hot Tune

None whatsoever, except that I made sure to open up the front grill a bit, when temp was hovering around or above freezing point. I believe if you are required to tow frequently will it become mandatory to leave the fan. I also consider it safe (without fan) when the average temperature maintains itself under freezing...

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RIP 10/31/2012
Green Metallic 2006 CRD Limited
GDE Hot tune ~ Pre-F37 TCM ~ Transgo shift kit ~ MagnaFlow ~ Homemade Provent ~ OME 2" lift & Airlift ~ Samco ~ Euro TC ~ Lift pump ~ Nylon fan blade & Hayden clutch ~ Etc!

FIA winter wrap.
Block Heater timer

Tonight I'm goin to ChooChooMan's house and take his winter tires.

uuummmhhh - turn off the AC button and rotate the heater control......
(or course that's in the morning - afternoons - AC is still better....)


of course our winter is typically 50's at night mid 80's during the day...

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2005 CRD
stuff
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