“Engine block heater standard”
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 107
Likes: 5
From: Dothan, AL
“Engine block heater standard”
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?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,136
Likes: 7,946
From: Texas
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?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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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.
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.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 107
Likes: 5
From: Dothan, AL
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!
. 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!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,136
Likes: 7,946
From: Texas
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!
. 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!
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 107
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From: Dothan, AL
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Tuned
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 279
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From: Brookings, SD
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 107
Likes: 5
From: Dothan, AL
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
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!
. 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 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)
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 568
Likes: 38
From: Henniker
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.
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