Question about heater
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,876
Likes: 4,115
From: Angier, NC
I see he lives in NY and even in the north I cant see really needing one.
Heck I had a 6.2 diesel and never plugged it in when I was living in CT/NY border by the water.
I even used to go to VT on the weekends, park Friday evening and not start i till Sunday evening to go home. Yes it would have helped if I could have plugged it in but there was no power where it was parked.
But if you really want a heater there are 2 types that I know of.
One is a block heater. You remove a freeze plug and install the heater part and then run the 110v wire out to a place you can get to to plug it in.
This was the type the 6.2 had from the factory.
The other type goes in a heater hose heating the water and it should move down to the block.
I dont think they have a pump, neither does the block type, I dont know how well they work but when I worked at a hospital that was the type the 2 emergency gen sets had, 2 on each, and you could feel they got pretty hot.
Let us know what you do as it may help others.
BTW my 81 F100 with a 300 had sat all day outside with 20* temp andafter 16 hours started right up.
Dave ----
Heck I had a 6.2 diesel and never plugged it in when I was living in CT/NY border by the water.
I even used to go to VT on the weekends, park Friday evening and not start i till Sunday evening to go home. Yes it would have helped if I could have plugged it in but there was no power where it was parked.
But if you really want a heater there are 2 types that I know of.
One is a block heater. You remove a freeze plug and install the heater part and then run the 110v wire out to a place you can get to to plug it in.
This was the type the 6.2 had from the factory.
The other type goes in a heater hose heating the water and it should move down to the block.
I dont think they have a pump, neither does the block type, I dont know how well they work but when I worked at a hospital that was the type the 2 emergency gen sets had, 2 on each, and you could feel they got pretty hot.
Let us know what you do as it may help others.
BTW my 81 F100 with a 300 had sat all day outside with 20* temp andafter 16 hours started right up.
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Yeah I do and usually the lowest it gets her is mid 20s where during the day high 30s to low 40s.
In short I guess too I was wondering if 5 mins warm up is normal for an engine like this in the current high 40s temps I’m experiencing now.
In short I guess too I was wondering if 5 mins warm up is normal for an engine like this in the current high 40s temps I’m experiencing now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,272
Likes: 1,233
5 minutes should be good at 40. You might not be at full operating temperature but you should have oil well circulated. I like to have a 5 minute warmup on my 6.9l diesel. And I also slow roll it out from the ranch on level roadway which takes another 5 minutes to reach the highway. So well warmed up by then. Take it easy in the early minutes of rolling on your way.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,876
Likes: 4,115
From: Angier, NC
If the choke is adjusted right I dont see why you cant let it idle a min or 2 if that and just take it easy for the first mile or 2.
I back mine out of the garage stop to put the seat belt on and recheck gauges and off I go.
When I had my diesel up in CT I would let it run a little bit to build some heat before driving off but diesels dont make heat unless they are under power / driving even with the grill covered 100%.
When the temps got to 40*f and below the grill cover, like the big rigs have, went on till the spring when temps would go over 40* now I could un-zip it some for cooling but I only needed to do that if I was pulling a trailer / working the truck.
You know with EFI they say as long as you have oil psi dont let it sit and idle to warm up, just tank it easy for a mile or 2.
That is how I do both of my EFI motors, start put belt on check gauges and off we go like my 81 F100 with 300 carb motor.
Dave ----
I back mine out of the garage stop to put the seat belt on and recheck gauges and off I go.
When I had my diesel up in CT I would let it run a little bit to build some heat before driving off but diesels dont make heat unless they are under power / driving even with the grill covered 100%.
When the temps got to 40*f and below the grill cover, like the big rigs have, went on till the spring when temps would go over 40* now I could un-zip it some for cooling but I only needed to do that if I was pulling a trailer / working the truck.
You know with EFI they say as long as you have oil psi dont let it sit and idle to warm up, just tank it easy for a mile or 2.
That is how I do both of my EFI motors, start put belt on check gauges and off we go like my 81 F100 with 300 carb motor.
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Reply to FuzzFace
I get what you’re saying about the choke however even though my engine is carbureted I don’t have a manual choke. I was considering doing a conversation so I could just drive light until it warms up like what bigblue said. However not a 100% sure how hard it would be with my engine or if it is what kit to buy.
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From: Virginia
I get what you’re saying about the choke however even though my engine is carbureted I don’t have a manual choke. I was considering doing a conversation so I could just drive light until it warms up like what bigblue said. However not a 100% sure how hard it would be with my engine or if it is what kit to buy.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,876
Likes: 4,115
From: Angier, NC
I get what you’re saying about the choke however even though my engine is carbureted I don’t have a manual choke. I was considering doing a conversation so I could just drive light until it warms up like what bigblue said. However not a 100% sure how hard it would be with my engine or if it is what kit to buy.
This is on a knock off Ebay factory Carter YFA carb and i dont have any problems with the choke but if you like a manual choke then go for it whatever works for you.
Same goes for the 5 min. warm up if that is what you like then do it dont take what I say as must do, it is just what I do and has worked for me for years.
81 F100 six years / 30k, 02 Dodge (efi) 297K and still going, 86 6.2 diesel 230K when sold in 02, with other cars and trucks before them.
Same goes for the engine heater do what you think would work for you. I will tell you, you will have heat sooner and if it makes to the heater core when sitting it can partly clear the windshield.
Oh if you do "plug in" drape the cord over the outside drivers mirror this way you will see it when you get to the truck and not forget to unplug it and driver off.
Dave ----
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 207
From: Washington
https://a.co/d/ivN6gMl
"Self-Adhesive & Easy Installation- The back of engine block heater pad is equipped with strong 3M adhesive.Simply clean the metal surface, peel off the protective film,and paste it firmly.It is suitable for metal surfaces such as engine oil pans,transmissions,and fuel tanks"
This is the type commonly use on air-cooled aircraft engines in Alaska.
A lot easier to install and under $10.
Jim
"Self-Adhesive & Easy Installation- The back of engine block heater pad is equipped with strong 3M adhesive.Simply clean the metal surface, peel off the protective film,and paste it firmly.It is suitable for metal surfaces such as engine oil pans,transmissions,and fuel tanks"
This is the type commonly use on air-cooled aircraft engines in Alaska.
A lot easier to install and under $10.
Jim
Last edited by JimsRebel; Nov 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,876
Likes: 4,115
From: Angier, NC
I can see that type on either side of the oil pan or 1 on the motor oil pan and the other on the auto transmission pan.
If you have a manual I dont know where you could stick that? and you still have the rear (front) axle gear oil that is cold.
MAX temp of 194*f is like normal operating temp.
Dave ----
If you have a manual I dont know where you could stick that? and you still have the rear (front) axle gear oil that is cold.
MAX temp of 194*f is like normal operating temp.
Dave ----
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,876
Likes: 4,115
From: Angier, NC
Sorry I dont know but it would be different between the front & rear as all pickup trucks sit higher in the rear and drop down when loaded.
Gary's site must have that information in documents area. https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/
edit: took some looking but I think this is what you are looking for
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/198...-builders.html
Dave ----
Last edited by FuzzFace2; Nov 23, 2025 at 01:28 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 1,158
From: Tolland, CT
Do you realize your truck ran for decades the way it came from the factory, and was driven fine in temps much colder than you get? IMO, just make sure the stock automatic choke works and leave things alone.
Maybe put a can of Berryman Chemtrol B12 in the gas tank. Walmart has it for $5.00 a can.
Make sure the tune up is good, coolant is good, tires are good, tranny fluid and diff fluids are good, battery is good, just drive it like everyone else did for the past 40 years.
https://www.google.com/search?q=berr...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Maybe put a can of Berryman Chemtrol B12 in the gas tank. Walmart has it for $5.00 a can.
Make sure the tune up is good, coolant is good, tires are good, tranny fluid and diff fluids are good, battery is good, just drive it like everyone else did for the past 40 years.
https://www.google.com/search?q=berr...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
Too high when you are old
Sorry I dont know but it would be different between the front & rear as all pickup trucks sit higher in the rear and drop down when loaded.
Gary's site must have that information in documents area. https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/
edit: took some looking but I think this is what you are looking for
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/198...-builders.html
Dave ----
Sorry I dont know but it would be different between the front & rear as all pickup trucks sit higher in the rear and drop down when loaded.
Gary's site must have that information in documents area. https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/
edit: took some looking but I think this is what you are looking for
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/198...-builders.html
Dave ----