Ventech heater
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,414
Likes: 1,018
From: Central KY
Ventech heater
Anybody here install the Ventech heater kit to a 17-19 6.7 truck? Did you install yourself? Do you like it? Any problems with it? Would you do it again? Spill the beans...
https://www.ventechlhg.com/diesel-pickup-trucks
I'm thinking this is the answer to the 3 business days it takes to reach 190F operating temp in these trucks, but man it sure is pricey.
https://www.ventechlhg.com/diesel-pickup-trucks
I'm thinking this is the answer to the 3 business days it takes to reach 190F operating temp in these trucks, but man it sure is pricey.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,679
Likes: 983
From: Walpole, MA
Ouch that is spendy, sure it works great but yikes.
I am sure you saw this but just in case:
Personally, I haven't had an issue with the heat in my truck. Even short hops it isn't too bad, coolant and oil are around 100*F in a 2-3 miles at state highway (55 mph speed limit with lights) on most mornings above 20*F.
I am sure you saw this but just in case:
Personally, I haven't had an issue with the heat in my truck. Even short hops it isn't too bad, coolant and oil are around 100*F in a 2-3 miles at state highway (55 mph speed limit with lights) on most mornings above 20*F.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,414
Likes: 1,018
From: Central KY
Copied from another thread:
"I only have to use the block heater when the temps go below 0°. Using the block heater doesn't make the cab heater work any faster either so unless you have the auxiliary electric heater, it's about the same as a cold start & drive til the engine warms up for my 2015.
At 10° below 0, heating up the crew cab is like heating the barn. I keep the heated seat on high. Cab heat does blow hot air after ~15min.
Joe"
So I think I'll start saving coins for the Ventech and try it out. Will probably take me all year to get there. Lol. Too many other irons in the fire right now. But being able to heat the cabin of my truck is at the top of the to-do list.
"I only have to use the block heater when the temps go below 0°. Using the block heater doesn't make the cab heater work any faster either so unless you have the auxiliary electric heater, it's about the same as a cold start & drive til the engine warms up for my 2015.
At 10° below 0, heating up the crew cab is like heating the barn. I keep the heated seat on high. Cab heat does blow hot air after ~15min.
Joe"
So I think I'll start saving coins for the Ventech and try it out. Will probably take me all year to get there. Lol. Too many other irons in the fire right now. But being able to heat the cabin of my truck is at the top of the to-do list.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,931
Likes: 3,537
From: Uh oh, CA
The coldest I have been in with my truck is single digits (not counting wind chill). I do not have the supplemental heat, but I do have a block heater. If the temps are going to get in the mid to low 20's, I'll plug it up. IME, it does make the cab heater in my 22 work faster because the coolant temps are warmer to begin with. Once the coolant hits about 100F I can start to feel some warm air blowing, and so far I have noticed that when using the block heater the coolant temp starts off in the 80's. Of course it's not blasting warm air super soon, but it does help and I get warmer air sooner than had I not used it.
From what I have read about the OE supplemental heaters, I am actually kind of glad I didn't get it and did get a block heater. It seems like it only works up to a certain temp, and that no one can actually feel warm air blowing, but that it does help defrost the windshield a bit faster... I will admit though that the seat heaters and the steering wheel heater would be nice. I know that I could swap out my steering wheel to one with the heaters pretty easy and not too terribly expensive. Me personally, I would go that route before spending that much $$ on the ventec... then again, so far I haven't spent a lot of time in sub 0 weather... although, that may be changing!
From what I have read about the OE supplemental heaters, I am actually kind of glad I didn't get it and did get a block heater. It seems like it only works up to a certain temp, and that no one can actually feel warm air blowing, but that it does help defrost the windshield a bit faster... I will admit though that the seat heaters and the steering wheel heater would be nice. I know that I could swap out my steering wheel to one with the heaters pretty easy and not too terribly expensive. Me personally, I would go that route before spending that much $$ on the ventec... then again, so far I haven't spent a lot of time in sub 0 weather... although, that may be changing!
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,979
Likes: 9,200
From: Western NY
I have the block heater and supplemental heat on my truck... I haven't used my block heater yet this year but maybe I'll have to to see what happens and post here... because if I'm remembering correctly, the truck indeed did have not only warmer oil because the coolant was warmer, but had heat just about right after start up... it's been getting down to the high teens here at night... maybe I'll plug her in at one point and post up.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1,590
From: France
Block heater worked really well in my old 6.0, 3 hours of heating was the optimal time, and it got the chill off the cab pretty quick.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
I think I remember seeing 120VAC coolant heaters in the J C Whitney catalog many years ago. That would work too if you remember to plug it in hours before you need to start the truck.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,979
Likes: 9,200
From: Western NY
You have a block heater or no?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,302
Likes: 2,197
I would have to pull the wheel well liner to check that…I’m in the group where ford cut the wires off and never scheduled the fix to put it back on. Don’t know if they did the cut off recall or not.
But…I like the 12v idea better…I have 4 extra batteries waiting to get installed in my truck bed floor cross box .
But…I like the 12v idea better…I have 4 extra batteries waiting to get installed in my truck bed floor cross box .
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
Something like this could help. Base unit has a 200W heater with options up to 1kW. I know nothing about the device or seller but the concept makes sense.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35391375874...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35391375874...mis&media=COPY
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,302
Likes: 2,197
Something like this could help. Base unit has a 200W heater with options up to 1kW. I know nothing about the device or seller but the concept makes sense.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35391375874...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35391375874...mis&media=COPY
that’s the idea..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
That would work but it if using 12V it would be much, much more efficient to just add a small circulating pump and a resistance heater to warm the coolant. Wouldn’t even need the pump if you’re only using it after startup.
I think I remember seeing 120VAC coolant heaters in the J C Whitney catalog many years ago. That would work too if you remember to plug it in hours before you need to start the truck.
I think I remember seeing 120VAC coolant heaters in the J C Whitney catalog many years ago. That would work too if you remember to plug it in hours before you need to start the truck.
The block heater and high idle together really help reduce the time it takes to get heat in the cab. In-cab heat is directly related to how fast you can get your coolant temps up (barring the supplemental heater input). I don't have the rapid heat system so the block heater and high idle were well worth it. For where I live, near Boston, the Ventech is not a justifiable expense. It just doesn't get cold enough here to make the cost worth it.