Engine block heater question
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Engine block heater question
It got down to the low teens the other day and I thought I would use my engine block heater to see how well it works. But when I got in the oil temp was basically the same as the air temp (it may have been 5-10 degrees warmer but still not above 20*F) after being plugged in for 2-3 hours. Is something wrong here? I would have thought it would have warmed it up or does it not affect the oil temp? If not, what does it warm up?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Fayetteville, NC
It heats the coolant, not the oil. There may be minimal oil heating just in the oil cooler, but that's less than a quart or so, most of the oil will be in the pan or filter, it will stay cool because the air circulating around under the truck when the wind blows.
Block heater will raise the coolant temp a good bit but it's still usually less than 100*f, it will warm the block and heads for easier starting though. Plus the heat usually gets warm faster.
Block heater will raise the coolant temp a good bit but it's still usually less than 100*f, it will warm the block and heads for easier starting though. Plus the heat usually gets warm faster.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
It got down to the low teens the other day and I thought I would use my engine block heater to see how well it works. But when I got in the oil temp was basically the same as the air temp (it may have been 5-10 degrees warmer but still not above 20*F) after being plugged in for 2-3 hours. Is something wrong here? I would have thought it would have warmed it up or does it not affect the oil temp? If not, what does it warm up?
3 hours in cold temps might not be long enough . One recommendation was at least 5 hours.
if you head over to the 6.7 section you should find the post. You will also find you will get quicker and more reliable results there when asking 6.7 Diesel engine related questions
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
I have a 6.2, but I tried mine a few times, when the temp was in single digits, just to be nice to my truck. However, Even at 0 F, it would still start without the heater, no problem. When I did plug the heater in for 2 hours, the engine turned over a little faster/easier, like it would if it was slightly warmer out. That's the only noticeable difference I could tell.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lexustbs
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
28
Apr 7, 2011 10:18 AM