How cold before plugging in

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Dec 1, 2003 | 07:59 PM

covrace

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Joined: Nov 2003

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How cold before plugging in

Hi guys,
Winter is fast approaching and I'd like to know how cold does it have to be before I plug in the block heater on my 1990 7.3l F-350. Both the glow plugs and the batteries are only a year old and it runs great. The previous owner told me he only plugged it in when it was 20 degrees or below. I live in northern NJ. Any advise or opinions will be appreciated.
thanks

Dec 1, 2003 | 10:31 PM

Spectramac

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Monroe, WA

I was going to say somewhere around freezing.

Dec 2, 2003 | 03:55 PM

Jeff 88 F350 Diesel

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Maine

I'd say his advise was good. I am in Central Maine. I can start my truck pretty reliably (if not reluctantly) in the teens. However, if you want to be kind to your starter, plug it in below freezing. Put it on a timer set to provide power for 3 hours before your morning startup. Your wallet will appreciate it.

Dec 2, 2003 | 05:05 PM

fonefiddy

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 2,585

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From: Duluth, Mn.

I plugged mine in for the first time, last night. It was 10 degrees this AM. Man she started niiice. I'd been fighting a little to get her to fire on previous cold mornings. She allways lit, but it took a little more cranking than I'm happy doing. It's been around 15-20 degrees most morns.

I run a heavy duty timer set to come on at 4:00 AM. I plug my block heater and my oil pan heater in. And usually go out about 6:30. This AM she fired on the second or third piston to the top.

Last edited by fonefiddy; Dec 2, 2003 at 05:09 PM.

Dec 3, 2003 | 06:18 PM

greyantaylor

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Joined: Dec 2003

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no way to plug it in

I've got 91 F250 5 speed man. and the 1000w block heater. When i can plug it in it works great, but I'm living in an apt. and its almost impossible to plug in. Any ideas on how to make starting easier when I can't plug it in???

Dec 3, 2003 | 09:52 PM

hammerdn

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 126

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From: staunton

I dont run my truck but about 3 time a week will it hurt anything to leave it pluged in all the time.

Dec 4, 2003 | 06:02 AM

pnose

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 692

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From: newfoundland canada

Greyantaylor,other than plugging in the only thing you can do is be sure your glo plug system is working properly,batteries and starter are up to par.Where do you live?What kind of temps are you talking about?
Hammerdn,you wont hurt anything leaving it plugged in however remember its a 1000watts$$$ that you will have running constantly.It would be just as good if you plugged it in 2-3 hours(depending on how cold it is outside) before using the truck.

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Dec 4, 2003 | 11:50 PM

redneckmechnic

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: New York

I also cant alwasy plug my truck in so what i did was mount a marine battery in the back with a cut off switch from the other two batteries. I then bought a power invert and put a 600 watt block heater in. I disconect the marine battery from the main battries and run the inverter off of that for an hour or two before i want to start the truck. works good but was a little pricey to put on the truck. However i also use the inverter to power power tools etc since my truck is more of a servbice truck then a pickup some days. The reason for the marine battery is they have more acid so they can be ran flat and rechaged with minmal damge were a regular automtive battery would not stabnd for that.