Falling Temps in Maryland
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Falling Temps in Maryland
This will be the first full winter owning my 2002 F350 7.3 SRW. Presently, I have 34600 miles on the clock. I'm going to do another oil and oil filter change before the 35000 mark. The weather station said Maryland will get a windy cold spell Sunday night into Monday morning with the temps in the 15-19 degree range. I have poured Diesel Kleen into the tank. Will I need to plug the truck in just incase?
Thanks
Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 55
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From: Alaska
Plugging in is always beneficial when the temp drops below freezing. If you haven't found the plug, it's tucked under the front bumper. I usually plug in below 20*. Use the Diesel Kleen white bottle with anti-gelling.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
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From: Lancaster County PA
Plug 'er in! Doesn't hurt anything to stay connected all night, just uses some household juice. Lets the truck come up to operating temp much faster after startup. I've been plugging mine in lately and I've also noticed that the windshield hasn't frosted when I do. I don't know if that will hold true under all conditions, but so far, my wife's windshield is covered in the morning and mine is crystal clear. If you are worried about your electric bill, get a timer that is heavy enough to carry the current (not positive, but I think the heater draws about 1k watt) and set it for 3-4 hours of heat before you normally leave in the morning.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: waterford nj
If you are changing oil right now, go for the Rotella 5w40 synthetic.
You won't believe the difference in cold starting.
I don't plug my truck in until we get consistently below 15 deg.+/-
It was 18 when I left the house this morning and the truck fired up so fast I thought it was going to suck the key out of my hand.
I just went to the synthetic at the recommendation of some other posters on this site and its worth the extra money for the ease of cold starting.
I will probably go back to 15w40 dino in the spring.
You won't believe the difference in cold starting.
I don't plug my truck in until we get consistently below 15 deg.+/-
It was 18 when I left the house this morning and the truck fired up so fast I thought it was going to suck the key out of my hand.
I just went to the synthetic at the recommendation of some other posters on this site and its worth the extra money for the ease of cold starting.
I will probably go back to 15w40 dino in the spring.
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 12
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The "real" winter temps have finally made it to Maine. This fall I switched to Rotella 5w40 synthetic (with an OilGuard By-Pass filter). This mornings temp was -10°. In any case, I have not been plugging in at night and last night was no exception. I was really glad to have my '02 PSD fire up on the 1st glow plug cycle with no problems! Of course it did belch copious amounts of smoke for a few minutes. I'll start plugging in now so I don't have to burn so much fuel while warming up.
So I'd say that synthetic oil is good for 0° or better starts! It does not hurt to periodically add some good diesel additives during the colder months. With dino oil, I'd say plug in at 20° and colder.
Your mileage may vary, Paul
So I'd say that synthetic oil is good for 0° or better starts! It does not hurt to periodically add some good diesel additives during the colder months. With dino oil, I'd say plug in at 20° and colder.
Your mileage may vary, Paul
