Hey all,
Anyone else out there have a V-10 with an engine block heater. I bought this truck used about a year ago. I presently have 102000 miles on it and I LOVE my V-10. My brother had a 1995 Ford Diesel and now has a 2004 CC PSD so I was used to engine block heaters to heat the oil on those things. However, I never saw a gas engine with one on until I was crawling under the truck and exploring (soon after I bought it--I like to know EVERYTHING about my vehicles) and found the plug which led to the side of the block. Just wondering how common they are on the V-10s and if and when you use them. I live here in Eastern PA where it doesn't get REALLY cold, but I still plug it in at night during the winter months--mainly b/c I have it to use.

 

I had one installed due to the cold. The block heaters on gas engines are an option, depending on where you live they could be installed from the factory as ordered by the dealership. Makes sense that a dealer in MN or AK would order all his trucks to have the heater. While a dealer in FL would have no clue as to what a block heater is or how it works.

 

Mine has one and from what I have found out about this truck it came from Alaska, so it makes sense why mine has it.

 

Ordered my 05 with heated seats and block heater. I know Texas is thought of as always hot but us pampered Texans get used to the warmth and it is really nice to get into the truck on a 31F-42F morning and before the end of the 500 foot driveway have nice warm air blowing out of the vents.

 

Warm block is always better at startup. Not necessary but has to be beneficial. Nice to know you have heated seats and a 500' driveway Fred but really doesn't tout the benefit of a block heater. Expect a long lecture complete with tech specs.....no??

 

tinbarn, don't be pickin on Fred. He adds a lot of info about V10's some good and some ???

 

How hard is it to add a heater and what is the best? I have been working in North Dakota and Montana and well as I am from Louisiana I gots me not heater So I am wanting to add one.

 

Snell-Dave: Not picking on Freddie. He is good and he knows it and loves to tell everyone just how good. My hat's off to Fredvon4. But heated seats and a long drive way aren't facts that anyone can use or care about...right?

 

Studenut65

There are several states or regions where the new SuperDuty trucks get the block heater as a standard item. The rest of us have to order it as a $33-$66 option. I believe in using the trucks features frequently to insure they work and keep parts moving and cycle frequently to prevent sticking, leaking, or corrosion problems.

Example I have 4x4 ESOF but there are several months every year that I don't get off road. So part of my routine is to deliberatly use these systems to keep them "exercised".

My use of the block heater is in this category. But I know that when the temps are down initial engine startup is when most of the damaging wear occurs. Starting with the block and fluids preheated can only be a good thing.

And like I said earlier it sure is nice to have cabin heat in first 500 feet rather than several miles down the road.

There is also an argument to be made that preheating may reduce extended idle times while folks wait for the motor to heat up and save the envirnment some. Before he busts my chops on that tid bit, I need to point out that using electrical watts of energy all night long is probably also bad for the environment.

I realy just posted these words to tick off one reader. I do know everything just ask me. OH yea anything I don't know I just make up any way, so in the end I do know it all! (sounds good at least) See how arogant owning the best truck on the planet can make a person?

V10s rule! SuperDuty is King! I love driving my BAT with a BSEG!

 

Hey Fredvon4,
Thanks for the help and info. I'm from here in PA. Going to school for right now but would love to live in Texas some day. Also love the King Ranch trucks!!!!! They are gorgeous. And yes, you are right, its nice to have heat in the cab a few minutes after leaving the house. It's better than leaving my poor Studebaker run forever in the driveway while I wait for heat to kick in. When I used to drive the old Stude to school, I would wait forever in the mornings for the engine to warm up. Wish that thing had a block heater...haha. I guess thats why I drive the Truck all winter while the old car waits for summer heat.

 

I bought my 99 used with 32,000mi and I usually use my block heater when below 30 degree's, I have it on a timer to start at 2am and I roughly leave at 6am. I'd say it get's fairly cold here in WI and I usually have some good heat if I let it run a minute or two in the driveway after it's been plugged in. It also helps tame the anoying 1700rpm burst on initial cold start up(can't be good for the motor!!!!). Great motor, no major prob's and 107,000 on the dial.

 

Studenut65

I noticed in your post that you got the V10 a year ago and it is now over 100K. How is she holding up? Throw a signature together with the vital stats on you ride. Sounds like you are happy with the used truck choice.

 

Fredvon4,
Guess I do need to properly introduce my truck to everyone. A year ago, I was looking for a truck and being from a Chevy family (on my dad's side), wanted a Silverado. After deciding that I could not afford what I wanted in the Chevy line, my Ford-loving girlfriend, grandparents, and brother talked me into looking at Fords. When I found my truck, it was just what I wanted. A regular cab long bed. Being a college student, I needed a dependable truck. Anyhow, the truck has many options...cd/tape/radio, cruise, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and it's an xlt. Plus, it was the right price. The only thing I got that i didn't want was the V-10. I didn't know much about the engine and I didn't think I needed one that big. However, since it came with the package, I wasn't complaining. Now that I have the V-10, I wouldn't go back. I love it and I hear that the V-8 gas milage isn't much better. Plus, the power is ALWAYS there. As for the milage, at 102,000 miles, it's running strong. B/c I hadn't owned it since new, at 100,000 miles, I had a complete tune-up with new plugs, pcv, etc. That was a normal expense that comes with owning the vehicle. However, the only real problem I had with the truck came right after I got it. I noticed a bad break pull and had it in and out of the shop for weeks. After spending 500.00 on repairs such as pads, rotors, lines, etc, the prob. was not fixed. It wasn't a consistant problem, so I left it go. By the grace of God, and maybe the 33 inch tires I put on the truck, the pull stopped and I rarely notice it. Other than that expense, and the tune-up, the truck has been great. I love it and I really like the help that I find on this web page. These trucks do become an addiction and, next to my Studebaker, I'm hooked on Ford trucks and cars for life. Anyhow, there's my truck ina nut shell.

 

An engine block heater is a great investment. For under a hundred dollars and religious use off it you save a lot off wear and tear on your engine in the cold months. The most wear on any engine is when you start it up. I also have a stick on heater on the oil pan so in effect when I sart my truck it like starting it in summer. I f you could run an engine without going through a cold start it could last almost forever. With an engine heater for a little investment it will pay dividends

 

Can you buy aftermarket block heaters? Or can I make/build my own? I'm in AZ so as you can imagine, we don't need that, but I'm moving to PA (pitt) next year so I'm trying to prep my baby so she doesn't go into shock!!!

I've even thought about prepping the frame for those wicked salt roads. Oh man, this poor truck isn't going to know what to do!!