How cold?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks Alaska
I got one of those cold fronts. Kind of a pain to put in around the plow mount though.
My Cummins just has the plastic cold fronts and some card board on the radiator.
3 of us. Hmm, we should all have lunch sometime.
My Cummins just has the plastic cold fronts and some card board on the radiator.
3 of us. Hmm, we should all have lunch sometime.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
I also use the cardboard method on my 75' plow truck. Too many cables and wires to run through a full front. I use to use the Lund snap in plastic ones on my 96' but now use a snap on one from Alaska tent and tarp. There is no comparison between the two. The snap in ones just leak too much for our weather though they might work just fine down in the real world.
There are a few Fairbanks guys on the "other" site also. We have been talking about having a PSD rally here one of these days. There is a few Anchorage guys and one from Kenai that want to come also. I will let you know when we get it planned out.
There are a few Fairbanks guys on the "other" site also. We have been talking about having a PSD rally here one of these days. There is a few Anchorage guys and one from Kenai that want to come also. I will let you know when we get it planned out.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Any one know what the current draw specs are on this engine block heater? I went to buy a timer (per the recommondations of my friends on Ford Trucks!
) but it seemed like I needed to know the draw specs to get the right one. Keep in mind, I have to use a fairly long extension cord to reach the truck!
) but it seemed like I needed to know the draw specs to get the right one. Keep in mind, I have to use a fairly long extension cord to reach the truck!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 1
From: Scenic Wisconsin
It was around 0* when I left for work this morning. My truck sits outside and doesn't have a block heater, but it started right up and after a few seconds was running fine. I did fill up last night with winterized fuel and added a good dose of Power Service for good measure.
I was impressed by how easily it fired up this morning. I would have used a heater if my truck had one, but it doesn't and this is my first winter with it. I'll probably pick one up because it's definitely a good idea. Anyone have ideas on which brand I should use?
I was impressed by how easily it fired up this morning. I would have used a heater if my truck had one, but it doesn't and this is my first winter with it. I'll probably pick one up because it's definitely a good idea. Anyone have ideas on which brand I should use?
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
oppy, Are you sure you don't have one. I was thinking that only a few 97's that had a cold weather delete package came without them. I am thinking that your 2002 will have one. Look around in behind the grill for a plug. It might be behind your drivers side fog light if you have fog lights or behind the drivers side tow hook. Just feel and look around I am sure you will find it. It will have a plug cover on it so it doesn't totally look like a plug.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
If you don't have one, your local Ford dealer should have a kit to put one in, just like factory!
If I use the time and I have to use an extension cord (long one), can't I hook the timer up in the garage, so I don't need to pay for and outdoor one? Also, I think the ones I looked at were rated "Heavy Duty" 1500-1750 watts.
If I use the time and I have to use an extension cord (long one), can't I hook the timer up in the garage, so I don't need to pay for and outdoor one? Also, I think the ones I looked at were rated "Heavy Duty" 1500-1750 watts.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
I would think that it work just fine in the garage. Be sure you don't cut the cord shutting it in the garage door. Also be sure to use a very heavy extension cord since it sounds like you are going with a long one.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
This thread is over a year old and still going.... I plug in at work and park inside at home. My wife on the other hand can't always plug-in at work. I have never found a temperature where either one of my PowerStrokes wont start but I don't like to cold start if we can help it. The wifes X has a auto start on it and she just hits the button once in a while on real cold days when a plug-in is not available. Even at -20 the engine seems to retain a little heat for several hours. She normally hits the button about every two hours if the temperature is below 0 which starts and runs the engine at high idle for 10 minutes. If the temperatures are above 0 she just hits the auto start 10 minutes before she gets off work. When it gets down to -40 it takes more frequent starts to keep the engine warm.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Impressive numbers for starting cold. I need to look at my pre-heat system. At thirty degrees it takes several attempts and then the engine surges for a short while probably due to the back pressure valve attempting to heat the oil.
The fuel bowl is suppose to have a heater. Should you be able to feel whether it is working?
Reg
The fuel bowl is suppose to have a heater. Should you be able to feel whether it is working?
Reg
Last edited by afinepoint; Dec 27, 2004 at 04:55 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
yea i think you need to look into something.... i have a 97, stock glows, 2 yr old batteries, and she fired right up the other day in 6* weather, not plugged in. a little clanky and some smoke, but she still started, (note: i have yet to add anything to the fuel system as an additive at all.)
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
If you are having any kind of starting problems at 30 degrees you definitely need to check out your glow plug system. Mine will start at some very cold temperatures but like I said I don't like to do it unless I have to. Even though an engine starts and runs it doesn't mean that damage is not occurring. The heater in the fuel bowl is there to help keep the fuel from gelling in cold temperatures. It is not a starting aid at all. At 30 degrees with a properly functioning glow plug system the engine should fire right up with no hesitation at all. I even have the stock batteries in both of mine (8 years and 4 years).