I'm from Vermont, where it's about to get reeal cold for the next 6 months. I've already noticed my '79 F250 is getting harder to crank over since the weather has dipped below 40F. I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction about a block heater, or coolent heater.

Does anyone have experience with one who has to start their truck in a cold climate? I'd like to get one in pretty soon.

 

It really should fire right up well into freezing.
Have you checked your choke setting? When was the last thorough tune up?

 

Being new to the truck and inexperienced with it mechanically, where would I check and/or adjust the choke setting?

 

[quote=Indy443;13714871] I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction about a block heater, or coolent heater. [quote]
There are several of the block heaters that replace one of the core plugs on each side of the block still available.
There were two different ones listed in the Ford parts catalog but I suspect the later one also supersedes the earlier one. There are also two different power cords listed, I found 1 of each.
The later p/n is one of those Ford numbers that is often mislabled and entered into inventory incorrectly so I always check both ways. The second digit in the p/n is "zero" but is often entered as alpha "O".

Heater assy., block 600 watt
E/F100-350 w/ 460 V8
Before s/n FE0,001 D6AZ-6A051-A
From s/n FE0,001 E0AZ-6A051-A

Wire assy., block heater
RH D7TZ-6B018-A
LH D4AZ-6B018-A

E0AZ-6A051-A
All of the following have the part listed under O as alpha O not zero.
Green Sales, Cincinnati, OH has 18 (800)543-5949
Poecs Parts, Erie, PA has 12 (888) 864-9305
Parts International, Farmers Branch, TX has 14 (972) 241-8730
There are a couple of the D6AZ around along with the correctly listed E0AZ.

D7TZ-6B018-A
Green Sales has 1

D4AZ-6B018-A
Klimesh Motor Sales, Calmar, IA has 1 (563) 562-3241

EDIT: I was thinking you have a 460, I see that you didn't list your engine. Let me know which one you've got and I'll double check the application. It may be the same.

 

As for the choke adjustment.
Look at the carb when the engine is cold. Pump the accelerator one time to reset the choke and check the position of the choke plate. It should be closed. If its not, on the passenger side of the carb is a big black plastic "****" locked in position by three screws.
If the choke plate isn't closed, loosen the three screws and turn the **** clockwise to increase spring tension to close the choke.

 

Mike, thank you.

The truck has the 351M in it.

It's much appreciated.

[quote=mikeo0o0o0;13715084][quote=Indy443;13714871] I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction about a block heater, or coolent heater.

 

Ok, since the truck is new to you and I don't have any idea what your experience level is operating a carburetor motor, I may sound somewhat condescending. I'm sorry, I don't mean to.
anyway
Are you familiar with the startup procedure with automatic chokes?
Generally it is 1-turn your ignition switch to "run" 2- push the gas pedal to the floor once and release(this sets the automatic choke to the cold start position and gives the engine a little prime the help it fire off)
3-start the engine.
Once the engine warms up, tap the gas pedal and the choke should open and the RPMs should drop.
This is how it should operate normally.
I only added this because there are a lot of people who have only driven fuel injected vehicles and have no idea how to operate a choke.
If it still doesn't start easily then it's time to check the choke adjustment.
Here's a pretty basic write up on choke adjustment.
WELCOME TO ALLSTATE CARBURETOR & FUEL INJECTION

 

I checked and the 351M uses the same p/n as the 460.

 

Think of a block heater as a cold-start aid, not a Band-Aid to mask other issues that may be present, e.g. inoperable choke, weak battery, corroded grounds, wrong viscosity oil, overdue tune-up, etc. etc.

Your motor should easily start-up well below freezing IF all the above mentioned items are up to snuff, block heaters are great for warming the coolant and getting heat into the cab quicker and also warming the oil so it gets where it needs to be much faster, not to mention saving wear and tear on the battery/starter.

I'd recommend Napa's own house branded block heaters, they're a quality built brass unit... if you want to "plug in" overnight go with a 200-400w heater... if you prefer to "plug in" for just an hour before work (or you're on a timer) go with a 800-1000w heater (or run dual 400-600w heaters).

 

If it's cranking slower since it got cold, have your battery checked. If the battery is getting old, cold weather has a way of making the battery seem weak. It could be other things as Montana mentioned, but have the battery tested first. I replace the dual batteries in my 02 Superduty diesel every 5-6 years. Mine started showing the slow crank syndrome just 2 weeks ago.

 

Once you're sure that your engine is tuned up, choke is set properly and that your battery is good, I would strongly recommend using 5W30 until the average nighttime lows are consistently above 32 degrees F again. In addition to a block heater you can also use a battery blanket. They do help. Just plug them both into the same cord or timer overnight.

One more thing, make sure that your coolant has enough Anti-Freeze in it. I always mix for -55 degrees F, that way I know for sure that my engine and rad wont freeze up. I Hope This Helps.