Didn’t see this in a previous post - so if this has been covered, sorry for a repeat. In looking at the 6.7L pdf in this forum, I noticed that one page identified the engine block heater. But the language reads “engine block heater standard, cord is optional”. I think this document relates to older 6.7L engines (2011), but in the 2020 diesel is this true? In other words, can we just purchase and install the power cord and have an active engine heater for cold weather. I live in AL now but visit my MI kids and have had second thoughts about having not ordered the engine block heater for Christmas visits. So will my F250 already have the equipment but just needs the “optional” cord? If so, can I install it, or is that something a diesel tech needs to do?

 

I would actually worry more about having good winter fuel in it. As long as you use good fuel and have proper weight oil, the 6.7 will fire right up down to 0 with ease, maybe even colder.

 

Block heaters are optional on 2020’s according to this (page 14)

https://media.ford.com/content/dam/f...rder-Guide.pdf



i wouldn’t worry about not having a block heater. As long as your battery is in good shape, you should start with no problems even at 10 below.



99150 above is absolutely correct though - much more important to have your fuel and fuel system winterized to prevent gelling.

 

Ford stopped physically installing block heaters in areas that do not get very cold. It became an optional item one had to order or install themselves or by dealer. If your truck was programmed to be sold in areas such as Colorado, the NE (Maine, VT, NH etc) upper mid west, then it was standard equipment and it would come with the cord. Not sure if it was before the 2011 models or starting with the 2011 model this took effect.

The old 7.3 and maybe the 6.0 and 6.4 came with the block heater installed but no cord but not the 6.7.

 

Thanks for the background. The 2020 F250 (as far as I know) that is coming to AL would not need the heater for this area. Two years ago when my wife and I drove up to see the kids in Novi and Grand Rapids, snow got 3 feet deep and windchill got to -15F. So glad to be the warm climes now - don’t have to shovel rain . Also, I appreciated the reminder about the fuel. Have to fill up north of about Indianapolis sometimes to get the winter mix. This is the first time I’ve driven a diesel in many years (about 25) and have some bad memories from back then. Thanks for all the great advice on this forum, guys!

 

just to make you feel a little better; since a truck can’t *FEEL* anything, windchill means nothing to your truck......only actual air temp.

 

Ha! I swear my F150 had feelings when the rear end went out. I heard it whining.

 

I'll add that though the block heater may not be *needed* for the truck to start, it sure helps things along when its -10F out. Not only is it better for the engine in regards to avoiding cold start conditions for lubrication, but you have cab heat much much quicker when you plug the block heater in for a few hours before starting it.

Where I live, we get a few days a year at -25F without windchill, and will go a few weeks straight never getting above 0. I use the block heater when its below zero to save on wear and tear, and to have cab heat sooner, and its definitely nice to have.

It'll be up to you to decide though OP if you feel that its worth it to you for such a limited use. If you only make the trek up north once a year, it may not be absolutely necessary.

 

Thanks guys! All very helpful. Sounds like something I don’t really need. Having been a pilot, it was critical to preheat our engines anywhere near 0F. I lived in MI when I was flying and had pan heaters on both the planes I flew. So...thinking diesel (expensive engine) the idea of cold got my attention. By the way (totally off subject), there is no field in our profile for a 2020 F250 - so I just checked 2019.

 

2011 must've been the year they started making the block heater optional..bought my truck in Arizona brand new March 2011 and it doesn't have one..

 

My 2011 F350 came with one.....in NY though

 

Just use Diesel Kleen, and carry a red bottle of the Diesel 911 with you. I don’t have a diesel truck, but use that in my diesel snow equipment (tractor and skidsteer)

 

Ironically enough my 2015 with the 6.2 came with a block heater, my 2019 with a 6.7 did not come with an engine heater. Although would be nice to have, The engine always fired right up no matter how cold. I live in Nh so it can get pretty cold here. Both trucks had the plow prep.