Engine Block Heater

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Nov 14, 2002 | 06:42 AM

f_pumillo

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From: High Bridge USA

Engine Block Heater

Two questions:

If these are repeats of other questions, hust point me to the right place.

Question one: My 01 X PSD did NOT come with an engine block heater. Has anyone added an after market or FORD supplied "kit". Underlying question is do I really need one in NJ.

Question two: Should I add anything to the fuel and if so what brand and when (temperature dependent)?

Thanks

Nov 14, 2002 | 09:46 AM

JoeBoost

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From: C H I C A G O

Engine Block Heater

I live in Chicago and i never once used my block heater this past winter. I do have an automatic start on the truck , which helps bigtime. This lets me start up my truck well before i leave the house to go somewhere. When it is really cold out , i would start up the truck and let it run to keep it somewhat warm.Best thing i did to the X was the alarm/autostart ..................

Nov 14, 2002 | 10:51 AM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Engine Block Heater

Why didn't it? I thought they were standard with the PSD.

I used to add Stanadyne fuel conditioner (to my old GM diesels when it got anywhere below freezing. I never had a gelling problem. Some of the better fuel stops out there claim to add anti-gelling conditioners to their fuel beyond what winterized fuel already has.

Brochures (propaganda) state that the glowplug system on the PSD is good for cold starts down to -10°. If your glowplug system is healthy and you do not live in MN, MO, SD, ND or AK etc. then I see no real reason to get one. (IMO) If you do, I always preferred the coolant heaters rather than the block heaters. (Again IMO)

Nov 14, 2002 | 06:00 PM

f_pumillo

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From: High Bridge USA

Engine Block Heater

Thanks. On the few days that it has been in the low 30's overnight, the X took maybe 30 seconds before the wait to start light went out. I think I'll try without. And if it realy gets cold, I think about a remote starter. I went the lojack route instead of an alarm. gets a bigger insurance discount. At least here in NJ.

Again thanks

Nov 20, 2002 | 04:28 AM

Cerberus

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From: Anchorage

Engine Block Heater

I've got the V-10 myself, but I know lots and lots of people up here in AK with diesels and no one ever adds anything to their fuel. The anti-gel that's already in there from the service stations is plenty. And most of them don't plug 'em in either as far as I know. Most people up here that plug their cars in are gassers.

On a side note Monsta... I thought just about all block heaters were coolant heaters at the same time. It's a small heating element that takes the place of a freeze plug to heat the coolant which in turn heats the block....or am I wrong?

-Jase

Nov 20, 2002 | 08:20 AM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Engine Block Heater

>On a side note Monsta... I thought just about all block heaters were coolant heaters at the same time. It's a small heating element that takes the place of a freeze plug to heat the coolant which in turn heats the block....or am I wrong?
>
>-Jase

No you are correct. But what I was referring to is a heater that is spliced into the heater lines that heats the coolant enough to open the thermostat PLUS it will circulate the coolant via a little pump.

Nov 21, 2002 | 06:27 AM

f_pumillo

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From: High Bridge USA

Engine Block Heater

For some reason Ford decided not to make the engine block heater a standard part of the package in 2001. I have a friend with a 200 and he has the block heater. For the few days it does get around 20 in NJ suffer the wait to start.