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Old Dec 12, 2019 | 09:55 PM
  #16  
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Good input

Thanks everyone for the input. It has been a 1000 watt unit. Hubby says he has checked outlet, we've used the same one for many years. Ext cord is outdoor, of course, thinking it is 25', not sure about the gauge size at this point.
This is the most recent removed unit. We had one you could actually see a split in unit. Any clue from what can be seen?

amount of time plugged in varies, if driving daily overnight is the norm, not driving daily it is lots of times not plugged in at all. Will definitely consider a timer of some sort once we change it again.
the napa part that is installed currently says "made in USA"
It has only been 2-3 yrs since we changed out all 8 glowplugs. Would those fail in such a short amt of time?

So, here's a question.... we see several different watt units available, what is the actual recommendation for this truck? And would a lower wattage be better since temps are not so tremendously low.

Thanks all this gives us some things to look into when we fix the current bad one again.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2019 | 11:01 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by Momreed80
Thanks everyone for the input. It has been a 1000 watt unit. Hubby says he has checked outlet, we've used the same one for many years. Ext cord is outdoor, of course, thinking it is 25', not sure about the gauge size at this point.
This is the most recent removed unit. We had one you could actually see a split in unit. Any clue from what can be seen?

amount of time plugged in varies, if driving daily overnight is the norm, not driving daily it is lots of times not plugged in at all. Will definitely consider a timer of some sort once we change it again.
the napa part that is installed currently says "made in USA"
It has only been 2-3 yrs since we changed out all 8 glowplugs. Would those fail in such a short amt of time?

So, here's a question.... we see several different watt units available, what is the actual recommendation for this truck? And would a lower wattage be better since temps are not so tremendously low.

Thanks all this gives us some things to look into when we fix the current bad one again.

Did you use Motorcraft Glow plugs? Do NOT use aftermarket Glow plugs, they swell, break off then bounce around in the cylinder.


I brought up the cord earlier, are you getting the element and cord connection tight? Are you sure the elements are burning out and it’s not the cords going bad? Just throwing out some ideas....

Here’s what I use, just follow the directions for installation....

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F110753623800


NOTE: Next time you change the element, remove the degas bottle cap, start truck, let it idle until it reaches OT and the thermostat opens, this should help burp any air pockets out of the coolant system. During this process try and position the front of the truck “uphill” which will encourage the air to rise to the highest point...the degas bottle.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 09:34 AM
  #18  
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I don't recall seeing it posted around here but...years ago when I had my heavy truck and the block heater was required to even get it to run in the winter there was a universal understanding that we were to unplug the block heater before starting the engine and if we didn't the sudden rush of cold water over the element would destroy it. I can't say that I know for sure that this is the case for us but I play it safe over sorry. Do you unplug it before startup?
 
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Old Dec 13, 2019 | 11:22 PM
  #19  
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Last two posts are spot on. Purge the air, and wait to start a couple minutes after unplugging. Also seen a lot of wires burned up from heat due to the extra resistance from a dirty and corroded plug.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2019 | 12:11 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by AubieTN
And I understand the purpose of the glow plugs, but why use them when I have a block heater and timer
They're gonna run anyway, unless you have a manual control. Even with a block heater, a little glow plug time takes stress off the starter and reduces the unburnt fuel in the cylinders, both of which seem like a good trade off for a little glow plug wear.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2019 | 08:47 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by pilgrimbizket
Is it bad to plug it in and leave it over night?

It’s a huge waste of electricity and thus money, so yes. Equivalent to leaving your oven on all night.
 
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