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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:30 AM
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block heater

I have a 2013 F350 Diesel 6.7 obviously... Never owned a diesel before... I travel to areas where it gets down into the negative 15... Air temperature. How can I tell if my block heater is working its -5 out right now when I have it plugged in and it seems to take a while for the temperature engine gauge to go up, is it still working? Is there something that I can feel the see if it's warm oil pan exedra?? any help greatly appreciated
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:36 AM
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block heater goes in the coolant.


Still takes awhile to actually warm the motor once started.


I plug in about 3 hours before departure.


The motor itself will still be cold but your coolant should be warm enough in the 40-50 deg range.


It aids in keeping the motor warm enough to crank and start. Not warm for you.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:42 AM
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funny, I just came on to ask something similar. I was up early, plugged heater in for 3 hrs, unplugged then went back to bed for an hour. Got up and plugged in for an hour...went and started it and the oil temp is only 15 degrees...it is in single digits outside now. I figured the oil temp would be a tad warmer.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:47 AM
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coolant does not touch the oil pan. You would need something to see the actual temp of the coolant in order to know.


Supplement heater is a good option for those in a cold climate. Without plugging in and doing the remote start, within a few minutes it is producing luke warm air.


Plug it into a timer set for 3 hours before your normal departure. That is all I do.


I don't plug in until it gets down into the single digits.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by senix
coolant does not touch the oil pan. You would need something to see the actual temp of the coolant in order to know.


Supplement heater is a good option for those in a cold climate. Without plugging in and doing the remote start, within a few minutes it is producing luke warm air.


Plug it into a timer set for 3 hours before your normal departure. That is all I do.


I don't plug in until it gets down into the single digits.

what's a supplement heater?
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 06:59 AM
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supplemental heater is an option that can be had.


Some northern states will have it for most of the trucks on the lot.


it is an option so you would always have to check the window sticker or if ordering a new truck you would need to specify.


It is an electric heater built into the hvac and comes on automatically at a certain temp. Not sure of the exact temp but somewhere around 40F. So it will start producing heat for the occupants pretty quick.


Not hot air but well above ambient temps. Takes the chill out of the air.


If you have heated seats with works real well to direct heat to your backside quickest.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 07:03 AM
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ok Thanks the help
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 07:13 AM
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Supplemental heater is a like emergency heat on a home heat pump system. It is a set of electrical heating coils in the heater box that turn on to aid in heating the cab prior to the coolant reaching temperature.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 07:32 AM
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Anyone see any issues with leaving it plugged in over night? As in, 8-10 hours?
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 07:36 AM
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Your electric bill might not like it.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 07:46 AM
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I can fit my rig in the garage where I parked, it's tight as a gnat's *** but I can fit it... I don't pay for electricity but I usually only plug it in when it gets to zero outside all night
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 12:23 PM
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I leave my truck plugged in all the time. Even when not driving it. My 7.3 wouldn't start without being plugged in. I've never noticed a difference in my electric bill related to that.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 12:51 PM
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When I plug mine in, it is all night long.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 03:41 PM
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I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong here on both the wattage and math. Assuming the block heater is an 1800 watt element and it's plugged in for 8 hours that's 14.4 KWH and in my neck of the woods they charge me $0.11 per KWH so it would cost me $1.58 to leave the truck plugged in overnight. Based on my testing (see rapid heat link in sig) using the block heater (was plugged in for 6 hours) raises the engine oil around 30 degrees F above the ambient temperature.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2016 | 04:06 PM
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Al I knew you would step in.

With a Kill-a-watt meter, my block heater uses 1000 watts at 120 volts.
 
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