I have a 97 f350 crew cab,4x4, psd. I live up her in the " great white north " I have a circulating block heater on my 78 bronco. In the middle of a - 30 degree C nite I can pop open the hood and touch a warm block. Is it ok to use a circulating heater on a powerstroke diesel engine. I think having a nice warm block would sure help in the cold starting dept. Any feedback is appreciated.

Ed

 

Your truck should have come from the factory with a block heater. Actually, I believe it heats the oil, but it is quite effective if it is working properly. When I bought my truck in October, the previous owner had never used it and didn't know he had one. I use mine all winter long (some nights -30 or colder). Mine was still bundled by tape from the factory between the left (driver's) headlight and the radiator under the hood. It has a cover for the AC plug prongs, so may not be immediately noticeable.

-David

 

This is Ed again, the reason I want to know about a ciculating block heater is a heavyduty mechanic I know says when he strips down engines with only block heaters, he see's more noticeable wear on the piston walls that are oppisite to the block heater. On the engines with circulating block heaters all piston walls look great. He says its due to easier start ups. I know factory block heaters work good but if you can prolong wear to the engine maybe it's worth it to go the otherway. Just asking.

Ed

 

There is no problem with a circulating heater that I know of. I run one. The block heater does not heat the oil other than what is in the block sitting as residue. Oil pan heater is needed, especially on a diesel with the thicker oil. Put some 15w40 outside in 0F and it comes out like paste.

 

I believe the factory block heater on the newer 7.3L's heat the coolant. I live outside Chicago , and it gets pretty damn cold. I have had good success with the factory heater , and a oil pan "pad" type heater.........