• I'm looking for any tips and recommendations on using the block heater. The Owner's manual says for use at -10 degrees F. I live in New England so at times the temperature can get that low, but is it worth it to use the heater at or near 32 degrees or colder? How long can the block heater be plugged in for? Will using the heater frequently cause damage to any components or systems of the truck? Any tips or suggestions would be great.

 

You can leave it plugged in as long as you can pay your electric bill....It is suggested that you turn it on at least 3 hours prior to starting. Most use it when temp is possible to at or near freezing. I plug mine in before I go to bed.

 

on my previuos truck(7.3) i used a timer. block heaters use about 1500 watts. its like leaving 15 light bulbs on all night. i would have it come on about 4 hours prior to me leaving from work.

 

I've got a 2003 with a 6.0. I plug mine in anytime the temps drop to 40 or lower. Once it starts getting cold, that 15-40 starts getting thick. When you start your truck with cold, thick oil, it's puts extra strain on everything including your batteries and starter! When you do plug it in, the truck starts up like it's 80 degrees outside.

Like most others, I take the dogs out one last time about 10PM and plug up the truck. I get up and let the dogs out about 530AM. I let the dogs out, fire up the truck and let it idle until I get the dogs back in...maybe 5 minutes or so and then I'm off.

Plug it in, you'll notice the difference!

Joe

 

Thanks everyone