I only drive my truck(diesel 6.0) but once a week if that in the winter and I am wondering if I should just leave the truck plugged into the block heater ALL the time? or just at night? I just didnt know whether or not leaving it plugged in all the time is a bad thing? And any other things I could do to keep it from a deep freezing. I live in Salt Lake City Utah.
Justice, I just returned from 10 days in Vernal where it was -11*, my 6.0 did not like sitting for 2 days without being warmed up so I would make it a point to go out and run it for 10 minutes or so once it got dark. I don't have the block heater (yet), ordered the wiring harness and it was delivered while I was away. On my '03 7.3 it came with the option and I had it plugged into a timer (a few bucks @ WalMart). Set the timer to come on for 4-5 hours each night, it won't hurt to start it up every other day and get some oil covering the internal parts as well. A few bucks spent in fuel letting it run will be cheaper then replacing parts later.
If you are using the truck once a week I don’t see that sitting around that much. I would agree with the consensus hear. Plug it in 3 or 4 hours before using truck once a week. If you are running the truck every other day for a short period of time. Look at all the water sitting in your exhaust because of all the short starts. At least when you use the truck once a week it is getting used normally and water build up won’t be a problem. All the fuel getting burned up and water in the exhaust is not worth it in my opinion.
You can leave them plugged in if you love your local power company, they really suck it up. I suggest going to Lowes or Home Depot and buying a Christmas light timer, they are digital weather proof and can be programmed for a week to turn on at any time you desire. I hate plugging my 7.3 in also, even though Ford says they will start in cold weather, they lie. I also put 20% gas in the tank when there is a long cold spell, I know, your're thinking you can't put gas in a diesel BUT trust me, I have 12 diesel powered trucks and machines and do it all the time without any problems. Ford even says you won't notice a problem with up to 30 % gas. Also gas is easier to find than un dyed Kero.....you don't want the headache of the DOT Nazzies if they pull you over and dip your tank. Good luck Sawbonz
I also put 20% gas in the tank when there is a long cold spell, I know, your're thinking you can't put gas in a diesel BUT trust me, I have 12 diesel powered trucks and machines and do it all the time without any problems. Ford even says you won't notice a problem with up to 30 % gas.
No do not run gasoline in any percentage in your diesel. Please post this FMC bulletin for all to see. If you live or travel through a cold climate, winter diesel or #1 diesel if you want to blend your own is readily available.
__________________
Courage is being scared to death---and saddling up anyway.
-John Wayne-
06 F350 CC SB 6.0 4x4, Suburban Ford (Thanks Ernie )
04 F350 CC SB 6.0 4x4, Van Bortel Ford (Thanks Jeff ) [Traded 05/2006]
Can someone tell me a website to get a block heater from? It's getting pretty cold here in SC and i think i should plug my truck in.
__________________ RED 2005 F-250 CC SRW LARIAT EGR BYPASSED 4x4 6.0L PSD/ 33" TOYO OPEN COUNTRY MT/ FUMOTO VALVE/ HIGH IDLE UPFITTER #4 2007 Red/White GSX-R 600 Tennessee Chapter Member South Carolina Chapter Member
You can get the cord at your local FMC dealer, Navistar dealer or try fleabay.
IIRC Navistar part #Z3500043
__________________
Courage is being scared to death---and saddling up anyway.
-John Wayne-
06 F350 CC SB 6.0 4x4, Suburban Ford (Thanks Ernie )
04 F350 CC SB 6.0 4x4, Van Bortel Ford (Thanks Jeff ) [Traded 05/2006]
Blackhat and rotun, thanks for the links. I'm going to get that done ASAP.
__________________ RED 2005 F-250 CC SRW LARIAT EGR BYPASSED 4x4 6.0L PSD/ 33" TOYO OPEN COUNTRY MT/ FUMOTO VALVE/ HIGH IDLE UPFITTER #4 2007 Red/White GSX-R 600 Tennessee Chapter Member South Carolina Chapter Member
Last edited by 03KingRanch250 : 12-31-2007 at 06:06 PM.
Reason: Addition
No problem, just forwarding the same help I had a few weeks ago on this forum. Ordered before I left for the holiday and was delivered while I was gone, going out to install it right now.
Well, wasn't that bad, as soon as I heard the "POP" when I pulled my head out of my A** anyway! Getting the harness through the area above the engine X member was the hardest but is do-able. I also changed out the pinched factory (dual alternator) hot side intercooler tube with a non-pinched factory tube (single alternator). I don't understand why Ford would design the tube that way, there is plenty of room once the alt. harness is repositioned to the underside of the tube. If you need the install instructions/ diagram let me know, I can email the .pdf if you send me your email address.
__________________ RED 2005 F-250 CC SRW LARIAT EGR BYPASSED 4x4 6.0L PSD/ 33" TOYO OPEN COUNTRY MT/ FUMOTO VALVE/ HIGH IDLE UPFITTER #4 2007 Red/White GSX-R 600 Tennessee Chapter Member South Carolina Chapter Member
about 20 minutes for the harness, I got the factory harness with all the clips and plastic loom covering. It went right into where it's supposed to (everything lined up).
I also changed out the pinched factory (dual alternator) hot side intercooler tube with a non-pinched factory tube (single alternator). I don't understand why Ford would design the tube that way, there is plenty of room once the alt. harness is repositioned to the underside of the tube. If you need the install instructions/ diagram let me know, I can email the .pdf if you send me your email address.
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Block heater on 7.3 and 6.0
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