Hi guys

Thoughts on having the block heater in New England?

I didn't order with my new truck....is it worth it, can I add it later?

 

you can add It later but if I were you I would have it added right away if you can.

 

When did they start becoming an option? I thought the only option was whether there was a cord?

 

I have one, have never used it. I live in Michigan, and truck has been outside in -10+ weather, no problems starting it.

These new trucks start so easily, that unless you live in the far north as in Canadian northwest territories, its more likely a waste of electricity to run them.

Now, my old '05 6.0L didnt like to run in the cold so much.

 

The heater was always in the Navstar engine. Just add a cord. But when Ford started building their own engine ( 6.7L ) the engine block heater was only included on the 14 coldest states. If you bought a truck in the remaining 36 states, The block heater was an option. ( like $55 so pretty cheap)

The new glow plugs that come in the 6.7L engine go from cold to 2000° in 2 seconds. So starting the engine has not been much of a problem. The block heater will help keep you coolant warmer that will help you get heat out of the heater faster than waiting for it to warm up.

I've started my truck at -25° F with out it being plugged in, Just by pressing the remote button on my key fob. I'd be more worried about cold temps gelling the fuel in the fuel line and tank. And a block heater is not going to keep the fuel lines warm.

 

I've used mine but just because it is there and I am always in hotels. I plug it in if it's below 10° in the morning which has been the case in WV this week. I use it so I can have heat on my way to the job site in the morning, about half of my work is outdoors so heat is very much appreciated.

If I never left my driveway at home would I plug it in? Maybe now and then but if it didn't start I'd be at home instead of in some hotel somewhere so I could work on it easier or whatever......

So, what I'm saying is, depends on how you use the truck. If you're out of town a lot or your work is critical (meaning that you have to be there, no excuses, high pressure) then I believe it's a good idea just because it helps a little and you get heat approx. 5 minutes faster.

 

I don't have one on mine, but I have the element and cord in the garage waiting to be put on. Just haven't taken the time yet. But, have yet to need it.

 

Monty, It's not really that hard to do. just get the element ready, remove plug and insert element quickly. of course that is after truck is cold overnight !
You will loose a lot less coolant than you think.

 

It is standard at no extra charge in AK, CO, IA, ID, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NE, ND, NH, NY, SD, VT, WI and WY

 

Steve, I'm quite sure they hid the cost somewhere for us !
Btw how is the snow in Maine ?

 

Yeah. Free doesn't exist. Lol
The weather is killing me. Its been snowing at least 4 days a week since mid Jan. getting old. And of course the high every day is around 20* so the snow banks don't get any shorter. I'm running out of places to push it.
How's about your weather?

 

Steve, we have only had one decent snow all year.
the cold is up and down every two weeks.
got a nephew that lives out ur way. he always wants me to come out and ride sleds with him, but that's a long way.

 

I bought my truck used.. 2012 6.7 and I have yet to find a block heater cord. I'm guessing its not there. I can say that I generally use the remote start to warm it up. It takes about 3 seconds before it starts. And she fires right up. I have not had an issue yet. It is 12 degrees here tonight and was 8 this morning. No issues

 

Wisconsin, never used mine either on my 2011 or the 2015. Put it in gear and start driving. Before work my nice wife will remote start my truck if real cold out.

 

Started mine in -13F without plugging in one morning as I forgot to plug in overnight. It started, you could tell it was hitting the batteries pretty good though. I like to plug in when it is below 20F as you get heat quicker and IMHO, less wear and tear on the motor warming up.

I am in Alaska, but lately a lot of the lower 48 is a whole lot colder then we have been.

Funny thing, I got a $100 credit for XM Radio on my window sticker too. Which means there is $155 worth of something else added in somewhere. (XM doesn't work up here in case you were wondering why)