how cold before plugging in block heater

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Dec 9, 2011 | 11:42 AM

#31

zhilton

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,604

Likes: 4

From: Claremore, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHbase

10 degrees. Anything above is a waste of money.

So is driving a 3/4 or 1-ton truck when it's just you in the cab...nothing in the bed and nothing on the hitch. But just like the oil you use, or tires you ride on...it's a matter of choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB70

How many of you block heater heads have 15W-40 in your sumps?

Currently I'm running a syntheic blend 15W40...should be making my winter change to 5W40 here in a couple of weeks when the truck comes due. I've run the 15W40 to -13F and the truck started. It wasn't happy and I'm sure it wasn't good for it (forgot to plug it in the night before). I still say, if you want to run the block heater...go ahead; if not...it's your truck & your money. Like everything else on here, half of these things are personal preference.

Dec 9, 2011 | 12:17 PM

#32

XB70

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 564

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by brickie

These motors make a nasty noise when fired up at -30c without a block heater.Then there is the cloud of unburnt fuel that envelopes the truck that the neighbours don't seem to like much.

Not mine. I've cold soaked at -25F (-32C) for eight to ten hours and started without a block heater several times. On one occasion, another 6.0 was parked next to mine and we both started up at the same time.

My truck didn't make a nasty noise,nor did it belch unburned fuel out the exhaust. It took about 3 seconds to fire instead the normal 1 1/2. It idled a little rougher for about 30 seconds and I drove off slowly after 3 -4 minutes.

The other truck behaved like yours - a long grinding start followed by an idle that shook the entire truck. The owner got out of his cab and asked how I got my tyruck to start and run so easily.

5w-40 synthetic and a Deltran Battery Tender that's hooked up whenever my truck is at home - even for 10 minutes.

He had 15w-40 conventional and three year old batteries and didn't know how to check electrolyte levels or what a Battery Tender is.

I'll take 5w synthetic and 100% batteries over a block heater any day. As for you guys that think +29F is cold, get real. Better yet, get some 5w-40 and maintain your batteries. Or, save a few bucks on oil and carry on - I love reading these threads.