good brands and should i even bother installing it or should i just take it to a shop?

 

I'd say go with a Comp-u-start unit, and install it yourself. From what I have heard, from a guy the installs them, they are the easiest to install. They also have more options than Viper. I have a Viper, and wish I had a Comp-U-Start.

 

You do not want a remote start on a 12V for the simple fact that you cant idle a 12V at base idle (especially in the cold). If the exhaust temps drop much below 300 degrees fuel starts to wash past the rings and gets into your oil. This can also cause bent pushrods and other issues with the head.

You have to increase the idle to 1200+ rpm to keep this from happening. There is no way to do that on a mechanical 12V other than going out to the truck and manually increasing the base idle. So, a remote start is a waste of time and money and can only lead to problems.

I see now your from texas - maybe not an issue for you?

 

Hate to correct you, but you there is. Remote starters have Auxiliary outputs, just like mine. Solenoid on the throttle linkage, relay, output from command start, and its done. Just like I do with my truck, start it and let it run for a couple of minutes, press two buttons on the remote and I get 1250 RPM. Work really well.

 

Really? interesting.

I know a lot of the guys thats have tried a solenoid have trouble finding ones that are strong enough.

Anyway, the info about idling in the cold is correct.

 

im confused cause i plug my truck in every night (when it gets to be around 65 degrees in the morning) and go out and it cranks right up each morning and then i go back in the house. none of this idling at 1250 thing...

 

There isnt anything to be confused about here. Go back and read what I said again - in summary, Im telling you that its BAD to idle your truck at the base idle of 750 rpm - especially in the cold. (below 30 degrees). You have to mechanically (using a solenoid, stick, or some other means etc.) raise the idle so that it is at 1250 rpm or higher or you can cause damage. You have to do it by mechanical means because this is a mechanical truck. If you had a electronically controlled 24V, you could raise the idle electronically - its not a problem like it is with the 12V.

Diesels must idle at higher rpm than the base idle. And its not good to let them idle for long periods of time either. This is not the same as a gasoline engine.

You should only need to plug your truck in a few nights of the year if you live in Houston. Its only needed when temps are well below 30 degrees. Ive been diesel powered for just about 10 years now and I live in a cold climate 8 months of the year.

 

ohh. thats news to me. it helps out a lot though cause im only fueling 5 cylinders untill i hit about 1700rpm so idleing when the motor is cold is super rough. plugging it in just seemed like it helped every morning. but right now im in pensacola right off the coast and come 5 in the morning its an easy 50 to 60 degrees outside

 

Yea, plugging it in helps for sure. But its rarely needed in a warm climate like you live in.

 

Hell here in NY i NEVER plugged in my cummins.. granted, when I bought it, it wouldn't get much colder than 25* (bought at end of winter), but I'd cycle the gpr 2x, set my foot on the throttle, and it would start right up. 65*???? lmfao.