So guys I have a 1990 f250 7.3 idi custom. From South Texas where winters aren't cold but now.that I'm in North/ Central Texas I have had struggles with my truck in the cold. Last winter I started my truck every 4 hours no matter what and let it sit 20 min to stay warm. This year I'm too tired for that bull crap so I bought a oil pan heater. It did help in starting this morning..about 55 degrees but it still took a few turns. Will a 200 wat oil pan heater make a differance if it's 10 degrees? Will it make a difference at 45 degrees? I need new glow plugs, not sure how many are good or bad, but won't be able to afford them for another month or so.
I also don't know if my truck has a factory block.heater and I don't know how to look for the factory plug in. If you have any advice so I can sleep for more than 4 hours straight this winter please let me know.

 

I dunno if your truck has one or not, but it should. If it does, it will be on the passenger side of the block, above the starter. It's in line with the freeze plugs. You should be able to see it while your lying under the truck.
Trace the black wire to find the 115v plug in.

 

Thank you sir and yes I realized that after my last thread!

 

block heater is closer to 1100 watts, so i really cant see where a 200 watt oil heater will do much good.

 

If you're having trouble starting... make sure your GPs are working good, and your starter is in good shape!
The starter should crank /extremely/ fast. If it sounds like a gasser, you need a new one. The faster the starter cranks, the easier starting it will be, cold or hot.