. My 84 block doesnt take to block heaters very well.....Hey John, can you show me where to get that inline heater??
Use block heater or not?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
I plug in over night when the forecast is calling for 32 or below (which is 6 months out of the year here), it eases strain on the batteries and starter, blows heat inside the cab much quicker, reduces your high idle time, and puts barely a ding in the elec. bill, so why not plug in the block heater, there's no down side to doing so, it's a no brainer for me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Kinda related, I started a thread a while back to figure out what it costs to run the block heater.... here it is if anyones interested: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ater-draw.html I came up with $0.11/ hr. It might be more, but I think thats pretty close.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
To the original poster:
When I had my 94 up in the northland I found it beneficial to use the block heater anytime it went below +10F. Below that it seemed that starts were way too long (it would start) but seemed like I should have just plugged it in.
The best suggestion (which someone has made) was to set it on a timer. I usually set mine on a timer when I plan on driving during the winter when its cold out. Here in Kansas I will plug it in on the timer if it going to be below +20F.
It really boils down to choice and whether or not your truck will start at the temps you will see.
Also, if its goint to be real cold and you prefer to not use the block heater with a timer, its never a bad idea to go out and start the truck and let it run for a few minutes or ten to warm everything up. Worked for me when I was in college and the temps were -40F (or -40C its the same temp!). Many rigs were getting jumped but mine fired right up on its own!!!
Good Luck,
THad
When I had my 94 up in the northland I found it beneficial to use the block heater anytime it went below +10F. Below that it seemed that starts were way too long (it would start) but seemed like I should have just plugged it in.
The best suggestion (which someone has made) was to set it on a timer. I usually set mine on a timer when I plan on driving during the winter when its cold out. Here in Kansas I will plug it in on the timer if it going to be below +20F.
It really boils down to choice and whether or not your truck will start at the temps you will see.
Also, if its goint to be real cold and you prefer to not use the block heater with a timer, its never a bad idea to go out and start the truck and let it run for a few minutes or ten to warm everything up. Worked for me when I was in college and the temps were -40F (or -40C its the same temp!). Many rigs were getting jumped but mine fired right up on its own!!!
Good Luck,
THad
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, TX
I live in an apartment, so I don't have the option of a block heater. It was something like 48F this morning and I held the throttle half way down, let the plugs run and it fired off on the second rotation of the engine. I do get white smoke but it clears up after the plugs finish cycling. It usually doesn't get below 20F here in DFW, so I fell no need for the block heater. I'll just wait for her to warm up a little more in the colder months.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
From: Marianna, Florida USA
Get a thermopump type: ZEROSTART THERMO-O-PUMP ENGINE HEATER 1000 WATTS 120 VOLTS | eBay
It ties into a heater line and circulates the water throught he entire engine. It is thermostatically controlled to not over heat. Itdoes concentrate the heat at the weak point so should be OK.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
I'm using my block heater. The high idle kick off times are getting longer. Takes about 6 minutes these days. Plus after it goes off i still need another 5 - 10 minutes to get good heat. I may use my block heater tomorrow morning.
Its difficult to get the beast nice and toasty when i have to drive it tomorrow for a total of 2 minutes then let it sit for 4 hours. Then drive a half hour at highway speeds, then let it sit for another 3 hours. Then highway again for a half hour. At least the highway run gets her real nice and hot. A don't need the high idle when i leave 4 hours later.
Someday i will have no choice as i'm stuck at college from 2:00-9:00 on the one day i have a lab but no problems so far.
Anybody block of their radiator? Does it help the truck heat up faster?
Its difficult to get the beast nice and toasty when i have to drive it tomorrow for a total of 2 minutes then let it sit for 4 hours. Then drive a half hour at highway speeds, then let it sit for another 3 hours. Then highway again for a half hour. At least the highway run gets her real nice and hot. A don't need the high idle when i leave 4 hours later.
Someday i will have no choice as i'm stuck at college from 2:00-9:00 on the one day i have a lab but no problems so far.
Anybody block of their radiator? Does it help the truck heat up faster?
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I bought one at Autozone last winter. It is refered to it as a circulating tank heater, they come in 3 different wattages. I think 800, 1000, 1500. are the sizes listed. I think 1000 watts is the size of the original block heater for 6.9-7.3 engines.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have a 94 7.3 non turbo. i cant find the block heater. ive got the cord but i cant find the heater. ive heard its behind the starter, above the oil filter, on the pan, and the freeze plugs. ive looked at all of those and cant find it. Anyone know where its at?
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
It's installed in one of the freeze plugs just above and in front of the starter. Instead of a plain freeze plug you should see a set of male electrical connectors sticking out that your cord plugs into.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
There might (might) be another benefit to block heaters: better fuel mileage. If the engine warms up sooner it should burn less gas. This would be especially true for short trips to work like mine which is 6.5 miles each way.
My block heater isnt working on my Ford either and my 240D didnt even have one at all. I used a 700 watt hot plate set on a timer for 30 minutes. At five below the valve cover was warm to the touch and starts were very quick.
I still have my hot plate but dont relish crawling that far under the truck in the morning to retrieve it. Im going to experiment with a 1500 watt hot air gun instead pointed up at the bottom of the engine. Since it doesnt have to contact the oil pan I can just reverse the truck off it.
My block heater isnt working on my Ford either and my 240D didnt even have one at all. I used a 700 watt hot plate set on a timer for 30 minutes. At five below the valve cover was warm to the touch and starts were very quick.
I still have my hot plate but dont relish crawling that far under the truck in the morning to retrieve it. Im going to experiment with a 1500 watt hot air gun instead pointed up at the bottom of the engine. Since it doesnt have to contact the oil pan I can just reverse the truck off it.
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
i looked there but it wasnt there. so i went ahead and bought a freeze plug heater today. kinda hefty price but it will be worth it. thank god i dont have to apply pressure to pop it on. it basically screws on.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 2
My truck gets really goody gas mileage.
It uses diesel.
Sorry man couldn't help it.
I would have to agree with your line of thought though.
It uses diesel.
Sorry man couldn't help it.
I would have to agree with your line of thought though.
