Plug-in Heater
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
Likes: 17
From: Melbourne, Ky
I'm not familiar with oil heaters. But if the block heater is working, that's all you need. Our trucks will start with temps in the single digits as long as the glow plugs are working. I'll admit, they may not like starting when it's that cold, but they will. Also a good fuel additive is a good idea when it's that cold. I like to use the block heater when it gets below 25. I have mine plugged in a timer that kicks on about 2 hours before I leave. It also helps make heat in the cab quicker!
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Sullivan, IL USA
Reason I ask is, it's been 20's at night and I have to crank 10-15 secs at a time and about 10 times to get it going even with heater plugged in. One reason I know, I am removing 15w40 tonight and putting in 10w30. I usually have it done by now. But I never had these issues with it plugged in before.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
Likes: 17
From: Melbourne, Ky
That's way too much cranking. I would say your block heater ain't working as well. But I also suspect you may have a GPR not working. How long does the WTS light stay on when you turn the key?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
When was the last time you changed glowplugs? Thats way too much cranking, Mine will start in single digits without being plugged in. It will romp a bit cuz i still have 15w40 in mine but it will start. Also, how old are the batteries?
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FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
I guess you could test the block heater, unscrewing it from its base, but Im not sure if it is possible and if you loose to much coolant or oil?? I hope somebody chime in here later.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Lawson, Missouri
Check the Amp Draw...
Other than obvious items, wires, plugs, etc. Plug it into 120V and find an A/C Amp meter and see if it's pulling amps...Mine checked out to be about 8.7 amps and that equates to 1000 watt's...
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
The WTS light time is irrelevant; it's controlled by the PCM and (unless it's a CA truck) there's no feedback from the glow plugs to the PCM. If you want to let the glow plugs to work longer before starting, you don't have to do anything; just leave the key in RUN for a few seconds longer. If that makes starting easier, then indeed, you may have one or more bad GPs or a weak GPR.
An in-line power meter like this: Digital Electricity Usage Tester or this: Weems Creek Solutions - Product - Kill A Watt makes it easy to diagnose block heater problems.
An in-line power meter like this: Digital Electricity Usage Tester or this: Weems Creek Solutions - Product - Kill A Watt makes it easy to diagnose block heater problems.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Sullivan, IL USA
By the volt meter, the GPs stay on for several minutes. The wait light 10-15 secs.