Frequent cold starts followed by running for only a minute or two, coolilng for hours and repeating the process is less than optimal for the engine. It needs to get up to full temp once in a while. I have to use mine to commute, so I use the block heater when it's cold, and I make sure to run the truck up to full temp a couple of times a week.

Shutting a warm engine off for a couple minutes and restarting it in a couple of minutes I think is different. Lots of delivery trucks do that, and it doesn't seem to effect the engine life (except maybe starters).

 

I wait for the glow plug light to go out then I start it. It warms up on the 1/4 mile trip down the driveway to the gate. From there I have a slow mile down a curvy road to the highway. After that, I let her rip. When I get home I have the same curvy road and the driveway for it to cool off. Besides, I trade 'em in about every two years when the new smell wears off anyhow. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

One thing I will say...when I bought the Dodge it came with 14 coupons for free oil changes. I miss that with the Ford. $96 a pop....I started changing my own!