Hello.

Just wondering if anyone knows if driving up a steep hill before the engine is warm can cause any premature engine wear or other issues. I live in BC Canada where winters can bring temperatures near -30 degrees celcius. I drive a 98 F-150 with the 4.6 V8. The reason I ask is because there are 2 routes I can take to go home from work - One is to take a steep hill that's across the street from my works parking lot, which is the shortest route. The other is to drive a few blocks further and take a much less steep hill. If driving a bit further would add some engine longevity, I wouldn't mind the extra couple minutes to get home.

 

No, as long as you dont start it, put it in drive and take off you'll be ok. Gotta give the oil time to get all around the engine when its really cold, but I believe the Triton engines have higher volume oil pumps and circulate oil quickly.

 

On a side note, I recently started monitoring the oil temp with my Edge and i was very surprised at how long it takes for the oil to get up to the water temp fo 190-194 degrees. You have to drive several miles to reach top temp. Also, I have noticed that whatever the outside temp is, that is what the oil will be when you crank up on a cold start and it does take a while to warm up.

 

Hi.

Use a block heater. Leave it plugged in all nite.

The tranny, however, will aso need some time to warm up ...

Just take it easy for the first bit...

Cheers
Bubba

 

Unfortunately, I can't use the block heater at work. Basically my concern is that when I leave work at the end of each day, I may be causing engine wear by driving up the very steep hill before the truck is completely warmed up. I usually let it idle for 30 seconds and then go, but I don't know if this is enough. As I mentioned, I could take a longer route home to avoid the hill. Is it worth it, or am I being too paranoid?

 

No, you are not.

The way I see it you only have two options.
Get a new job at the top of the hill or move to a home at the bottom.

 

You could get a remote starter and start your truck 5 minutes before leaving work.