Engine Block Heater

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Dec 8, 2016 | 10:54 AM

#31

troverman

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by DingusKhan

Was reading the manual and saw they recommend plugging in if below -9F. It got really cold here last night, 34F. Have to get my coat out.

Should have saved the $75 and not ordered with block heater. It never has been -9F here.

I believe the previous generation owner's manual recommended plugging in at temps below 10F. That's a big change if I'm correct.

Nope, you did right by ordering the block heater. It's basically an expectation on diesel trucks, even if it isn't necessary.

Dec 8, 2016 | 10:57 AM

#32

Rasalas

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,336

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From: Western New York

It used to be that every diesel had a block heater but they never told you that and charged $75 to uncoil the wire and zip tie it to the grill in front.

Dec 8, 2016 | 11:03 AM

#33

linnwgetin

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 79

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sky Cowboy

So this doesn't answer your question.
But unless you are required to carry a lot to work, why not walk since its so close by.
I would never drive but enjoy the walk if just a mile or two.

The quickdraw answer would be because it is cold here. ~13 degrees today. But the honest answer is because Im lazy, and bought a 78K truck that I like to drive.

Dec 8, 2016 | 11:11 AM

#34

troverman

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasalas

It used to be that every diesel had a block heater but they never told you that and charged $75 to uncoil the wire and zip tie it to the grill in front.

Really? I thought in the past all the trucks came with the block heater pre-installed but no cord was included on trucks ordered without it. The extra money would buy the cord and route it.

The new block heater cord is pretty hidden on these new trucks compared to the 16's.

Dec 8, 2016 | 11:40 AM

#35

DingusKhan

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 397

Likes: 8

From: SW New Mexico

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasalas

You actually bought it twice. They give them to the Yankees for free!!

Damn Yankees....
You also get the electric pre heater. I ordered that too, you know, for when it actually gets below 30. I have thin blood.

But really, I think your base price is higher to pay for that stuff. My Lariat base is $60,390 for F350 4x4 CC. No such thing as a free lunch. Econ 101.

Hope you get your truck soon. Rootin' for ya. Habla Espanol?

Dec 8, 2016 | 12:36 PM

#36

EpicCowlick

Post Fiend

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 5,158

Likes: 35

From: North of Salt Lake City

Quote:

Originally Posted by sky Cowboy

So this doesn't answer your question.
But unless you are required to carry a lot to work, why not walk since its so close by.
I would never drive but enjoy the walk if just a mile or two.

Walk?

Dec 8, 2016 | 01:47 PM

#37

Rasalas

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,336

Likes: 4

From: Western New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by troverman

On my '01 it was wrapped up tight and hidden in with the plumbing and electrical lines on the left side of the engine. Took two or three trips in to find it but then? Free!!

Dec 8, 2016 | 06:09 PM

#38

coolidge54

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 625

Likes: 42

Someone told me all the engines have the block heaters, selecting the option just gets you the electrical cord when you order that option, any truth to that?

Mine came with the supplemental heater but not the engine block heater.

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Dec 8, 2016 | 09:39 PM

#39

Ricohman

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Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 2,216

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Forget about the block heater time. You live 1-2 miles from work.
You are filling your crankcase with moisture and all the other problems that go along with running a vehicle in the winter for a couple of minutes.
You really should be walking or riding a bike. Or a small beater car.

Dec 8, 2016 | 11:43 PM

#40

rustyshakelford

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 571

Likes: 3

When it's 50 or below I'm plugging in at work. Get down into the 30s and its for sure plugged in all day and night at work. At home, it'll be in the shop to keep the dew from freezing to the windshield. You guys are talking about really cold weather I've only heard about and want to keep it like that.

Brett

Dec 9, 2016 | 06:18 AM

#41

troverman

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricohman

It won't hurt it - just needs to take it out on the highway for a good warmup on weekends, and maybe change the oil a little sooner.

Dec 9, 2016 | 06:47 AM

#42

Ricohman

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Joined: Apr 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by troverman

It won't hurt it - just needs to take it out on the highway for a good warmup on weekends, and maybe change the oil a little sooner.

It was -42 here this morning.
I can't imagine the oil temp would even move after 1 mile.

Dec 9, 2016 | 07:17 AM

#43

troverman

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Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 10,123

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From: NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricohman

It was -42 here this morning.
I can't imagine the oil temp would even move after 1 mile.

That's a pretty extreme temperature most will never see. Not sure if that's a reading in C or F, but cold either way.

For that much cold, I'd be plugged in all night and idle the truck on high idle for at least 30 minutes before I set off. Nevertheless, the truck can take it. Ford does incredible hot / cold testing - idling 24 hours for 3 weeks straight at -20F (how's that for DPF plugging?); thermal 'shocking' by running at WOT until the engine block is glowing red, then pumping 0F coolant directly into the engine, then running to red hot again, etc.

A lifetime of 2 mile drives in extreme cold will not prolong the engine life, but with more frequent oil changes and some longer runs, I suspect it would still be fine.