hi all,

At what temp do you guys plug your trucks in?

Brook

 

If it gets much below -10 F, I prefer to plug in.

However, my truck will fire up on it's own well below that temp if I ask it to. It grumbles, cackles, shakes, groans, and complains for a minute or two, but it will start right up.

 

Brook, when it gets around 32F, I just plug in when the truck has to be outside. I have read on here from previous posts that folks do all sorts of benchmarks. Some in freezing areas never plug in, just preference I guess. I think the truck starts easier when out in the cold if it is plugged in, it doesn't hurt it. You use a little power, big deal, but 3 hours on a timer is all you need prior to starting, not all night.

 

I check the low for the night and if it will get below 30, I plug in.

 

I think your owners manual (Diesel Supplement) says you must plug in at -20°F and below. The general owners manual says at -10°F it is recommended, for both gas and diesel. Just for reference.

 

That sounds about right to me!

 

Assuming you can trust your weatherman and his predictions.

They should have provided a thermal switch, so that you can plug in, and it only turns on when the temp goes below xx°F.

 

0 F and below for me.

 

I use a timer set for about 3.5 hours and plug it in any time it's below freezing. I love the truck kicking out warm air within about 3 min of start up and not having to let her idle more than anout 2 min before pulling away from the house!

 

I have not yet plugged my truck in. There is a plug buried somewhere in the front bumper I'm sure. Some day I'll have to locate it.

So far the old gal has started just fine in temperatures down to -15F. 5W-40 Rotella probably helps.

Lou Braun

 

Here is a set up that might interest you folks.

Wow, the block heater really makes a difference! - Page 2 - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

A timer set to not start when the temp is higher than the thermostat.