Block Heater
Block Heater
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
4 hrs prior to starting is the general rule of thumb, although that's only roughly 7 below celcius. Providing your glow plugs are functioning properly, cycling them on and off a couple or 3 times should see your truck starting just fine.
EDIT: Had a bit of a brainfart as I clicked submit....has your coolant been tested to withstand below freezing temps? If not, plugging in overnight is a good idea, and getting it checked, and the mix changed so that it will would be a good idea.
EDIT: Had a bit of a brainfart as I clicked submit....has your coolant been tested to withstand below freezing temps? If not, plugging in overnight is a good idea, and getting it checked, and the mix changed so that it will would be a good idea.
Last edited by RR4E; Dec 14, 2004 at 08:29 PM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Prince George, BC
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: Kearney, Nebr
You shouldn't have to plug it in for only 20 degrees out. Glow plugs will generate enough heat to start the engine. It dosen't hurt anything to leave it plugged in at night or all the time besides the hole in your pocket from the electricity... which can't be much.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
7 degree's here this morning. No block heater, and fuel bowl heater is disconnected yet from another problem. I cycle the key on and off three times, although from what I read here, the glow plugs stay lit even when the light wait light goes out. This ends up to be about 45 seconds of heat time. Turn key, starts up. Stalled out after 3 seconds, hit the key again, and runs fine. If kept up, I highly doubt 20 degree's will have any effect on it....
It is nice to be able to turn the defrost on, and have a warm truck immediately though......
It is nice to be able to turn the defrost on, and have a warm truck immediately though......
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Helotes, Texas
I'm a Texas boy too, and it might sound funny, but I plug mine in if it gets below 40 degrees. Truck starts a lot easier, sounds better, and the heater warms up almost immediately. I plug it in when I get home from work and leave it on all night. Haven't noticed a big difference in electric bills, but it doesn't stay cold for long around here. 
Max
Max
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: central ohio
first time diesel owner wants to know if ALL 1995 PSD have factory installed block heaters.? if so where is the wiring to get it powered up???? i even went to the local ford garage today (i won't say where) and they couldn't (or wouldn't) show me where mine was and said (ya know partner..it may not even have one...yepper). guess they saw me coming. well whatever. EVERY pub i have referenced has nothing about the block heater. everyone i ask gives me a different location of where it might be and they have all been wrong.. the parts dude at the local auto zone doesn't have the part in his system and sez it don't exist!! my #@$%%%$# owners manual says i i have one to plug into and i can't even find the damn thing!!! my wrenching skillls are passable at best but i am not a complete idiot (or am I) so if somebody could point this FNG to the straight skinny i'll be thankful. happy holidays
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Look in the housing that your oil filter is screwed too, and you should see the end of the cord that goes into the engine. Follow the other end and you will find the plug. Should be an the driver side by the air cleaner or somewhere close by.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Area
My '95 has the heater cord to plug into, on the driver's side right in front of/beside the radiator. If you are standing in front of the truck, reach into the grill on the far right side of the grill. You may have to reach slightly around the grill towards the front of the truck again to your right to get the cord. It hangs to the front of the truck in the plastic that makes up the right side of the grill. But it is there and can be pulled out through the grill to plug it in. Hope this helps...