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Well, don't necessarily have a problem here, but I have been using my block heater recently and something has me puzzled.
The block heater on this truck appears to be original, besides the PO replacing the plug end. When I purchased the truck, the PO told me he would plug it in fairly often. Which I was happy to hear as a matter of fact.
I usually plug it in when it gets below 35 and I know I am going to need the truck. The truck starts fine in the cold on just the glow plugs, but I like to have heat sooner. What I have been noticing is that every time I plug it in is that on start up the injectors are much louder than if I didn't use the block heater. It sounds like it runs on 6-7 cylinders instead of 8. Sounds really clackety or like I'm running some hammered single shot injectors in an OBS. It also seems to smoke more than normal.
The engine is mechanically is pretty sound, going on 211K with the original injectors (2000 model) and runs like a top. On a normal cold start it does pretty well, just a puff of blue smoke and she comes to life, running on all cylinders and sounding like a normal cold 7.3. I installed a Whites Rodgers GPR last winter and it has been great so far.
So, why does it run so rough after being plugged in? I recently took out my temp gun and shot the sides of the block and oil cooler after being plugged in for 5 hours. My readings were between 68-70 farenheit.
Under the hood, I couldn't feel much warmth on the rad hoses or anything. On my dually I used to own, 2000 model with 80K miles, after it being plugged in, the upper rad would be warm to the touch. Also, the temp gauge would slightly peg above the bottom bar. On my current truck, the temp gauge doesn't even move after being plugged in.
Is my block heater dying a slow death? I'm just perplexed by the strange behavior when plugged in.
You could try replacing the cord only. I haven't done that yet but they go bad. The heating element is more of a pain since coolant will come gushing out.
Not sure why it starts worse though. Never seen that behavior on mine.
You could try replacing the cord only. I haven't done that yet but they go bad. The heating element is more of a pain since coolant will come gushing out.
Not sure why it starts worse though. Never seen that behavior on mine.
The cord might be worth a shot. I think I might try to get videos of the truck starting plugged in vs. unassisted. It just seems counterintuitive why it runs worse with more heat in the block than without. But nonetheless, the block heater seems weaker than it should be. My 2002 I owned a while back used to melt snow and ice off the hood when plugged in.
I also bought one of these and installed it in the driver side corner of the bumper. I put a second one in the passenger side corner of the bumper for my onboard battery tender.
I have also attached Pinpoint test D from section 303-03 of the FSM regarding how to test the block heater while still in the engine. As for why it sounds or runs differently, I am with Brandonpdx on that one.
I like Sous’ idea for the battery tender which I also have, may add another bumper plug. Also, there are block heaters for our 7.3s with higher heating elements. I installed one with a 1500 watt capacity. Works much better than the original 900 watt unit.
I am pretty good at spending other peoples money, so you are welcome!
I installed an onboard tender for my truck since it sits at the edge of our property along the tree line during the off season for camping. It wasn't really a requirement with the AGM batteries thus far, but definitely a nice thing to have.
I also have battery tenders for 2 of our other vehicles that are parked in the garage. They simply have the quick connect plug mounted to the front in an inconspicuous location and even if we forget to unplug it, they cord will be removed from the connector safely. I have the tenders plugged into an outlet in the open A-frame of the roof and the cord hangs down to the connector. Works quite well actually and was not all that difficult to ensure our batteries are getting the attention they need. Since retiring, we don't drive nearly as much as we used to. So, a battery tender was a wise purchase for our vehicles including the truck.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
