Nope, been using all different types of diesel powered equipment ( forklifts, front end loaders, bulldozers, graders, semi trucks, etc) for almost 35 years and if a block heater was not plugged in during sub freezing temps, equipment would sometimes fail to start. But the link explains the reason for a block heater on a diesel engine.

 

I read the article in the link. I don't consider "warm and snuggly" to be a good technical description for why a block heater is used.

Like you, I live in Colorado and have yet to need to plug in my 6.7L.

 

You're probably talking about older diesel powered equipment, I would guess. These new diesels don't depend on the block heater to start. As long you run an anti gel for the fuel in cold weather, these 6.7s will fire right up unless you're in the Northern Territories of Canada where it gets real freaking cold. They have their own spec when it comes to fluids. You can see that in the owner's manual.

I was just saying that like lynn, it will prevent more cold start wear and tear because the heated block will keep the coolant and oil warmer, esp. the oil, to prevent more wear at start up. But these truck will fire up and start if the fuel is not gelled at cold temps.

from this article here:

Using a Diesel Block HeaterNAPA Know How Blog


I forgot to mention in my previous comment that the cab heat is warmer faster when the block heater is installed. These modern diesel engines will normally start right up in cold weather. While I'm no expert, I just experienced it my with own rig. Plus I would think that those big ole engines in off road equipment start a lot harder due to their size which means that they use get all the help they can get to fire up out in the cold. Bigger cranks, more moving mass and more cold oil to pump.

 

When I've run into a gelling situation it is gelling in the rear fuel filter and not in the block,

 

A block heater is for the engine. It makes it easier to start and quicker to warm up in the cold once running as the coolant is warmer than the surrounding air. If the coolant is warm, so is the oil. So the engine is quicker to come up to operating temps. You would need to use antigel or use a fuel line heater. Not bad for a dummy...