Block heater
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 2,480
From: West Michigan
I have one, have never used it. I live in Michigan, and truck has been outside in -10+ weather, no problems starting it.
These new trucks start so easily, that unless you live in the far north as in Canadian northwest territories, its more likely a waste of electricity to run them.
Now, my old '05 6.0L didnt like to run in the cold so much.
These new trucks start so easily, that unless you live in the far north as in Canadian northwest territories, its more likely a waste of electricity to run them.
Now, my old '05 6.0L didnt like to run in the cold so much.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 4,221
From: Kaysville Utah
The heater was always in the Navstar engine. Just add a cord. But when Ford started building their own engine ( 6.7L ) the engine block heater was only included on the 14 coldest states. If you bought a truck in the remaining 36 states, The block heater was an option. ( like $55 so pretty cheap)
The new glow plugs that come in the 6.7L engine go from cold to 2000° in 2 seconds. So starting the engine has not been much of a problem. The block heater will help keep you coolant warmer that will help you get heat out of the heater faster than waiting for it to warm up.
I've started my truck at -25° F with out it being plugged in, Just by pressing the remote button on my key fob. I'd be more worried about cold temps gelling the fuel in the fuel line and tank. And a block heater is not going to keep the fuel lines warm.
The new glow plugs that come in the 6.7L engine go from cold to 2000° in 2 seconds. So starting the engine has not been much of a problem. The block heater will help keep you coolant warmer that will help you get heat out of the heater faster than waiting for it to warm up.
I've started my truck at -25° F with out it being plugged in, Just by pressing the remote button on my key fob. I'd be more worried about cold temps gelling the fuel in the fuel line and tank. And a block heater is not going to keep the fuel lines warm.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I've used mine but just because it is there and I am always in hotels. I plug it in if it's below 10° in the morning which has been the case in WV this week. I use it so I can have heat on my way to the job site in the morning, about half of my work is outdoors so heat is very much appreciated.
If I never left my driveway at home would I plug it in? Maybe now and then but if it didn't start I'd be at home instead of in some hotel somewhere so I could work on it easier or whatever......
So, what I'm saying is, depends on how you use the truck. If you're out of town a lot or your work is critical (meaning that you have to be there, no excuses, high pressure) then I believe it's a good idea just because it helps a little and you get heat approx. 5 minutes faster.
If I never left my driveway at home would I plug it in? Maybe now and then but if it didn't start I'd be at home instead of in some hotel somewhere so I could work on it easier or whatever......
So, what I'm saying is, depends on how you use the truck. If you're out of town a lot or your work is critical (meaning that you have to be there, no excuses, high pressure) then I believe it's a good idea just because it helps a little and you get heat approx. 5 minutes faster.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I don't have one on mine, but I have the element and cord in the garage waiting to be put on. Just haven't taken the time yet. But, have yet to need it.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,929
Likes: 287
From: EC Iowa
Monty, It's not really that hard to do. just get the element ready, remove plug and insert element quickly. of course that is after truck is cold overnight !
You will loose a lot less coolant than you think.
You will loose a lot less coolant than you think.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 5
From: Rusty, Maine
Yeah. Free doesn't exist. Lol
The weather is killing me. Its been snowing at least 4 days a week since mid Jan. getting old. And of course the high every day is around 20* so the snow banks don't get any shorter. I'm running out of places to push it.
How's about your weather?
The weather is killing me. Its been snowing at least 4 days a week since mid Jan. getting old. And of course the high every day is around 20* so the snow banks don't get any shorter. I'm running out of places to push it.
How's about your weather?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,929
Likes: 287
From: EC Iowa
Steve, we have only had one decent snow all year.
the cold is up and down every two weeks.
got a nephew that lives out ur way. he always wants me to come out and ride sleds with him, but that's a long way.
the cold is up and down every two weeks.
got a nephew that lives out ur way. he always wants me to come out and ride sleds with him, but that's a long way.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
I bought my truck used.. 2012 6.7 and I have yet to find a block heater cord. I'm guessing its not there. I can say that I generally use the remote start to warm it up. It takes about 3 seconds before it starts. And she fires right up. I have not had an issue yet. It is 12 degrees here tonight and was 8 this morning. No issues
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 1,190
From: Door Cty/Florida
I have one, have never used it. I live in Michigan, and truck has been outside in -10+ weather, no problems starting it.
These new trucks start so easily, that unless you live in the far north as in Canadian northwest territories, its more likely a waste of electricity to run them.
These new trucks start so easily, that unless you live in the far north as in Canadian northwest territories, its more likely a waste of electricity to run them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,762
Likes: 115
Started mine in -13F without plugging in one morning as I forgot to plug in overnight. It started, you could tell it was hitting the batteries pretty good though. I like to plug in when it is below 20F as you get heat quicker and IMHO, less wear and tear on the motor warming up.
I am in Alaska, but lately a lot of the lower 48 is a whole lot colder then we have been.
Funny thing, I got a $100 credit for XM Radio on my window sticker too. Which means there is $155 worth of something else added in somewhere. (XM doesn't work up here in case you were wondering why)
I am in Alaska, but lately a lot of the lower 48 is a whole lot colder then we have been.
Funny thing, I got a $100 credit for XM Radio on my window sticker too. Which means there is $155 worth of something else added in somewhere. (XM doesn't work up here in case you were wondering why)