Mini Rant...block heater recall
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,694
Likes: 12,819
From: Wyoming
You and I live in very dry climates. The chance of water accumulating in the plug is low. While I have yet to use mine, I have an appointment this Friday to have it checked out.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Yes, agreed that our dry climates probably won't cause the problem...but as far as AZ not being warm is concerned...is it single digit temps with a wind chill double digits below zero like it is at 7400 ft in WY right now? Being warm is relative.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 628
Likes: 12
From: Madison WI
So a year after I take my truck in complaining of my block heater tripping my GFI all the time, to which they claimed they found nothing wrong, I get the recall notice on my truck. Also, the notice was over a month after I called inquiring about the announced recall while my truck was in for a re-repair, which I had to re-re-fix when I got it home. I’m tired of losing down time in the service department.
I know, I know, they are fixing it for free. And I get a loaner prius-like car. My glass should be half full. Well it is, but it’s cracked...and it’s half full of ****.
I know, I know, they are fixing it for free. And I get a loaner prius-like car. My glass should be half full. Well it is, but it’s cracked...and it’s half full of ****.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pictures.html
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
My dealer did the recall on the block heater when I was getting tires mounted. The plug on the block heater is corroded and the pins are faulty, I am awaiting a new cord end to end. In meantime, I have no block heater. They told me they have about 40 on back order. In the middle of a cold spell of -25 to -35 C at night, daytime -15 to -25 for two weeks now. Last year, when we had this cold spell i used my block heater about 10 times. In the garage, no wind, and i would get about 40 degrees Celcius on the coolant temp at start up. I have to say, this truck does start well, very fast, and high idle quickly in these colder temps. Glow plugs are very fast, even with these cold temps the delay to start is very short, maybe 2 seconds.
I am going to get them to do the door issues as well, next trip in, because I had two rear door freeze shut last weekend. But that can wait, as long as I am not washing the truck, I think i will be ok. Will have to wipe down all the door seals with Armourall or something to prevent water sticking.
I am going to get them to do the door issues as well, next trip in, because I had two rear door freeze shut last weekend. But that can wait, as long as I am not washing the truck, I think i will be ok. Will have to wipe down all the door seals with Armourall or something to prevent water sticking.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I've been using block heaters for 35+ years on my vehicles. Most engines (especially diesels) run better, cleaner, more economically, and longer, the faster they get to their designed operating temperature. My diesels last for a yet to be determined amount of time and mileage (never have had an engine failure), and I get superior fuel mileage by comparison to those that don't use the same protocol. As a result, while intrigued by the new Ford Ranger (ready to down size from a Super Duty), I'm disappointed that there is no diesel offered.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 193
Likes: 15
From: Fort Collins
[p.183] The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours...
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Thanks Supertruckers. I'm awaiting delivery of my 2019 F350 CCSB, so I don't have a manual to look it up yet!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Maine
Ryebone: My protocol is to use the block heater, for varying lengths of time, when the temperature is below 50F. The heaters are rated for a thousand watts (in my Fords and about half that in my VW's) and use far less in electricity then engine fuel, repairs, or replacement will ever cost. I almost always buy vehicles for the life of the vehicle, but have never had a diesel that I kept for more than 21 years or 300,000 miles. As mentioned, I get superior fuel mileage, quick heat, and have only replaced glow plugs on my 84's and that was before I adopted this protocol. Checked my 97' Powerstroke glow plugs at 250,000 and they were fine. 97' and 2006 VW's have never needed any glow plugs and consistently perform well. Hope that answers your questions.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 193
Likes: 15
From: Fort Collins
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02GrayPowerStroke
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Jan 28, 2010 10:47 PM