When to plug in? (Outside temp)
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 974
From: Walpole, MA
I have never plugged my Ford in, starts just fine for my location. Coldest I will see in SE Mass is around zero for a few hours at most on the coldest of nights. Good batteries, clean connections, a good GPR make all the difference. I am sure the T5 10w-30 I run in the winter helps too.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
RE: temperature controlled block heater...
You can buy a 3-outlet plug tap that turns on at 34F. Most farm stores sell these for stock tank de-icers. They work well for block heaters, if you don't mind the energy use when the heater is on.
You can buy a 3-outlet plug tap that turns on at 34F. Most farm stores sell these for stock tank de-icers. They work well for block heaters, if you don't mind the energy use when the heater is on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
I've had my truck down to zero degrees with no block heater and it started up. Idled rough for a minute or so and it probably would've benefitted from being plugged in but anyone who tells you that you NEED to plug in at any temp above zero has something sub-par going on in their system be it glow plugs, oil, or batteries.
In the future I would probably plug my truck in if I knew it would be single digits or colder but that's about it.
In the future I would probably plug my truck in if I knew it would be single digits or colder but that's about it.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,563
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the only time i ever plugged my 88 in was when the glow plugs died.
i have never plugged my 02 in, i don't even know if it has a block heater in it.
and it gets below 0 here quite often. never any problems starting. i just let it run for a few minutes to warm up before leaving.
i have never plugged my 02 in, i don't even know if it has a block heater in it.
and it gets below 0 here quite often. never any problems starting. i just let it run for a few minutes to warm up before leaving.
New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Being in southern WI, I've had to start my '01 260K without plugging her in and while letting her sit over the weekend outdoors with temperatures as low as -5°F. When starting at temperatures that cold, I let the glow plugs warm up everything and allow the GPR to switch them off after about a minute or so before I even attempt to start cranking. I've done this with batteries 3 to 4 years old. Before winter sets in, I get the batteries tested, check out the GPR for a voltage drop across the contacts, and ohm out the glow plugs, replacing parts as necessary. I used to use the stock GPR, but have switched over to the Stancor relay with no issues...that relay seems bulletproof. I only use Motocraft glow plugs. I also run with Rotella T6 5W40 and have noticed generally quicker cold starts with it. I also only purchase fuel from stations I know have high truck traffic and fill up when I'm down to half a tank. With fresh fuel, a lighter weight synthetic, and a strong functioning GP system; you shouldn't have any problems, either. If you take care of her, she'll take care of you. 
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
As long as you let the GP's do their thing your truck will start in very cold weather. I have had mine out overnight in zero temp and may have to let the GP's go twice but she will fire. And smoke.......
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
I've had my truck down to zero degrees with no block heater and it started up. Idled rough for a minute or so and it probably would've benefitted from being plugged in but anyone who tells you that you NEED to plug in at any temp above zero has something sub-par going on in their system be it glow plugs, oil, or batteries.
In the future I would probably plug my truck in if I knew it would be single digits or colder but that's about it.
In the future I would probably plug my truck in if I knew it would be single digits or colder but that's about it.
Being in southern WI, I've had to start my '01 260K without plugging her in and while letting her sit over the weekend outdoors with temperatures as low as -5°F. When starting at temperatures that cold, I let the glow plugs warm up everything and allow the GPR to switch them off after about a minute or so before I even attempt to start cranking. I've done this with batteries 3 to 4 years old. Before winter sets in, I get the batteries tested, check out the GPR for a voltage drop across the contacts, and ohm out the glow plugs, replacing parts as necessary. I used to use the stock GPR, but have switched over to the Stancor relay with no issues...that relay seems bulletproof. I only use Motocraft glow plugs. I also run with Rotella T6 5W40 and have noticed generally quicker cold starts with it. I also only purchase fuel from stations I know have high truck traffic and fill up when I'm down to half a tank. With fresh fuel, a lighter weight synthetic, and a strong functioning GP system; you shouldn't have any problems, either. If you take care of her, she'll take care of you.
1 hour seems to do just fine here in Michigan. temps? -10 ( worse I remember with my truck, while hunting, no plug )
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Living in the Pacific NW, doesn't get too terribly cold, down in the 20's in the dead of winter usually. I'll plug it in if it's that low even though it's certainly not required. Since I've got over 240k on the clock I figure anything the makes starting a little easier on the old girl is ok by me. Plus it'll blow warm air a lot faster while I'm sitting on the seat heater!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Northwest Indiana
