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Old Aug 3, 2014 | 10:54 PM
  #1  
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Block heater

How cold does it have to be for a normal good running truck to need the block heater plugged in.

And how cold without having to plug it in and would new glow plugs help when it gets to about 35-40 degrees here i have to plug in the block heater is that normal ???


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Old Aug 3, 2014 | 11:28 PM
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the truck will start below 0 if healthy, without help of block heater,but I like to plug it in if possible to prevent the rattling & knocking of a cold diesel
 
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Old Aug 3, 2014 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Powerstoke73
How cold does it have to be for a normal good running truck to need the block heater plugged in.

And how cold without having to plug it in and would new glow plugs help when it gets to about 35-40 degrees here i have to plug in the block heater is that normal ???


Thanks
You should have no issues starting at 35F-40F without plugging it in, as long as your batteries, connections, GPR, and glow plugs are all in good shape. It rarely gets extremely cold here, but I've started fine as low as 18F-20F without block heater.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 12:08 PM
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when i lived on kodiak island, AK, i plugged mine in anytime it got down or below 40'ish. it just helped overall. easier starts and warmed up quicker. i recommend it. just make sure you disconnect before backing out.
man-o-man. talk about arcing and sparking!!
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 12:41 PM
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I only plug in when it gets into the teens. Electric bill is bad enough without pulling 1500 watts for 8 hrs every night. Every so often I do get a little fuel gelling and I do add anti-gell when I know a high is coming in from Canada. I just installed a new filter housing heater when I resealed it from diesel-orings.com, so she should warmup faster in the bowl were I need it and the extra warmed fuel will be returned to the tank via the return. The one I got looks to be much better quality and bigger than that factory guitar string, so I will find out this winter if we get anything like last year.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 01:47 PM
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Why leave it plugged in all night? I run an outdoor rated 3-prong timer. I plug the block heater into it anytime I know I will need the truck in the morning. Set the timer for 2-3 hours prior to when you need it, and presto.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 03:20 PM
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Mine will start below 0 F without block heater if needed. I plug it in with a timer cord, easier on engine.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 06:30 PM
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Does your engine last longer by using one? Better lubrication at start-up when its cold??
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 08:07 PM
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So a set of motorcraft glow plugs wouldnt hurt
And as far as the GPR is it one of those units that if it works it works and if it doesnt it doesnt or does it fall in to the semi working semi not haha
 
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Old Aug 6, 2014 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by sowaxeman
Why leave it plugged in all night? I run an outdoor rated 3-prong timer. I plug the block heater into it anytime I know I will need the truck in the morning. Set the timer for 2-3 hours prior to when you need it, and presto.
That's the way to keep the electrical bill in check. No need for it to be plugged in for more than 2-3 hours anyways.
 
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