Hi all, I have a 2002 7.3 f550. I’m looking for help on this as I do not know a lot about my truck(father gave it to me) and this is not my area of expertise to say the least.

I do not have access to electric at my yard.

I need a 3rd battery with inverter that will charge the block heater overnight. Then during the day have the original 2 batteries charge it back while I’m day driving.

im told i should use a deep cycle battery

does the stock alternator have enough power to handle the 3rd battery?

any advice on products to use without breaking the bank?

thanks in advance and sorry if this is posted already.

 

I don't think you can get there from here. Sharpen your pencil, and determine the ampere-hours the block heater draws. Basically I bet you'll find it's going to draw down the battery farther than the recharge capability during the day just driving around. Better off using an inverter type gasoline generator and powering the blockheater with that.

 

Your idea won't work. The block heater draws near 1850 watts. You would need a true 2000w inverter to run this and the inverter would draw somewhere near 120amps to provide the output. A group 65 battery would be completely dead in less than 10 mins considering most inverters shut off at 10.8volts.

 

Hurts to read but thanks for the info.

is there anyway to heat the block quickly without electric?

 

What is your reason for heating the block? If the glow plugs are working and you have a good starting and charging system the truck will start.

 

Glow plugs,wiring and two batteries were replaced last year. Still has a tough time starting unless it’s 45 degrees.

 

What's your cranking rpms? Sounds like the cables or starter are not up to the task.

 

How would I know crank rpm?

Also replaced starter in November

 

Attachment 277521

 

I thought the block heaters were closer to 1000 watts? Still your point stands.

I was just WAG the battery would be completely dead in about an hour or so. 80 amp hour draw say. Maybe not dead, but feelin' the pain real bad.

 

how about a 3800 btu propane heater. If I set it up in the morning Would that heat up oil within the hour?

 

That would help. Starting something on fire underneath the oil pan has a long and noble history. Be careful. A small portable generator should work for you. Something like the Honda 2000 series. Then plug in the block heater and run it for 2 to 3 hours.

 

I agree that it should start with good glow plugs down into the single digits. My 1999 does okay. Sometimes helps to cycle the glow plugs twice.

I'm very curious how this turned out!

Welcome aboard!