Thinking about late model 7.3 or 6.0 to tow boat. It gets down to 20s, teens, and single digits often here in the winter. We occasionally go into single digit negatives. Does anyone not plug in thier trucks in this kind of environment? I just don't want to waste the electricity and I also have property that has no electricity to plug into.

Mike

 

Use synthetic (5W-40) diesel rated engine oil and treat your diesel fuel properly for the expected temperatures and you will be ok. Starting in those temps will place a strain on the batteries so make sure you drive the truck for a long enough period to bring them back up to charge. When you get to where you have electric service throw a trickle charge on the batteries with a good battery charger for a extended (overnight) period. That will extend the service from your batteries.

 

JakeB sumed it up...

Switching to synthetic will solve 99% of your problems.. If you think you have any in those temps.

You have to have a different mindset with diesels as they require different care in the winter time then gas engines do. If you have the opportunity to plug the block heater in an hour or two before you start it will make a huge difference. You don't have to leave it plugged in all night and waste all of the electricity.

FWIW I haven't had mine plugged in for a month and half... I run synthetic and haven't had any issues. Just make sure your glow plug system is functional.

 

My block heater quit working 2 weeks ago. It has been down to below 0 several times since then. She never hesitates to start. I still run dino oil.

To save on electricity, buy a heavy duty timer. Turn your heater on 3 hours before you have to start the truck.

For the location without electricity, consider a small generator. The heater is only 1000 watts.

 

I have never once plugged in any of my diesels and I've only owned diesel trucks up until the 150 that I have now along with my 6.0.

Both places that I live see the same type of winter that you just described. Out of the trucks that I've owned, I've only had to replace 1 FICM during the winter that was giving me a performance code. It never failed to start, but it was getting iffy. That FICM lasted 5 yrs and up until then I never kept a vehicle that long(and I still have it). I do run synthetic on that truck though, but that is the only one that I have done so.

 

the only time i plugged my 88 in was whan the glow plugs died a few years ago.
with working glow plugs, and valvoline 15-40 oil in it, it will start at -10 degrees.

 

I have started mine down as low as -1F before without the block heater. newer truck then yours but I would think you would be ok. Just makes more noise at first. Syn oil is what I'd recommend as well.

 

I agree.. Synthetic helps alot! Plugging in may not always be "necessary", but hey, if a person can help wear and tear, or strain, I am all for extending the life of mine!

 

Thanks for the replies. My truck sits outside year round so this had me kind of worried. I don't really want a 1500ish watt heater blowing up my electric bill. I'll look into a timer when it's really cold.

 

does anyone know where to find the factory code for the key pad for the door locks. I have a 2006 f250 lariat. the truck didn't come with the user manual or anything.

thanks

 

You may have better luck with this one in a different forum. But I would try a dealer if it were me.

 

Another thing I used to do when I still ran dino in those -10 temperatures was use a "jump pack" to give a little extra juice when starting.

I makes a difference.

 

Stated in another thread was it's behind the radio on a sticker.

 

Welcome!

You should start a new thread for this. But, the info you are looking for is in the "TECH" folder at the top of the 6.0 page. The "Tech" folder has alot of info for your truck.

Since you are here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...icle-post.html

 

If you are not going to be driving it very often in the deep of winter, but yet still need to jump in and go in those temps, treat your fuel with an anti-gel additive. So you wont have any issues with your fuel during those times.