Block heater question
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6
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From: Grapevine, TX
Block heater question
I just got my 2002 F-250 Super Duty and have a question on the block heater. I pluged it in last night. This morning the truck did not seem warm. Should it blow warm air out of the heater right away? It seemed to take just as long to warm up. I'll double check that I did not blow a fuse or something. Is there an indicator light or some other way to know it's working?
One other thing, my truck has an owners manual but it has no diesel info in it. Was there another owners manual for the diesel that I don't have. I guess I need to buy a shop manual.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
One other thing, my truck has an owners manual but it has no diesel info in it. Was there another owners manual for the diesel that I don't have. I guess I need to buy a shop manual.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
Welcome to the site. When you plug in the block heater, you should be able to hear it start to heat the water within a few seconds ... if it is working. Try a light in the outlet that you used and make sure that you didnt blow a breaker and make sure the extension cord is ok.
The heater is located near the oil filter base and that is where you want to listen when you activate the heater. It should make some warm air if you have it plugged in for a long time. I use a heavy duty timer and set it about 3 hours before lift off. Got the timer at Home Depot. Notice I said heavy duty timer ... about 19 bucks.
I do believe there should be a diesel supplement book in with the owner's manual, but most of the info you will need is available right here. Everyone in here is always willing to help get the questions answered. I have found it to be a great bunch of people.
Enjoy your scooter. Oh, remember not to crank too long on the starter if nothing else.
The heater is located near the oil filter base and that is where you want to listen when you activate the heater. It should make some warm air if you have it plugged in for a long time. I use a heavy duty timer and set it about 3 hours before lift off. Got the timer at Home Depot. Notice I said heavy duty timer ... about 19 bucks.
I do believe there should be a diesel supplement book in with the owner's manual, but most of the info you will need is available right here. Everyone in here is always willing to help get the questions answered. I have found it to be a great bunch of people.
Enjoy your scooter. Oh, remember not to crank too long on the starter if nothing else.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6
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From: Grapevine, TX
Thanks a lot for that info...appreciate the welcome! I do love the truck. Much better than my poor overworked Durango...acutually no comparison.
Edit: I have spent many hour reading this site in the last few weeks....great info, very nice folkes.
Edit: I have spent many hour reading this site in the last few weeks....great info, very nice folkes.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Great, just the topic I was curious about. Does it hurt anything to start engine with the block heater still plugged in? Some old time diesel folks say to unplug heater before starting... as not to damage heater. Straighten me out please.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Grapevine, TX
Originally Posted by The Grinch
Temps below 30 F and it will help the start and quicken the warmup. The faster she warms up to operating temp the less wear on the motor!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 300
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From: Kentucky
Block heaters
I love this forum.
When we were on the farm (long time ago) we had block heaters on all the gas and diesel tractors, and the farm truck. They did make for almost instant heat from the block for cab comfort, but they were a circulating heater mfd. by KATZ. They were installed in a heater hose or could be adapted to the lower radiator hose. They worked very good. Just a word of caution: the block heaters in our trucks DO NOT heat the crankcase oil, so there won't be much change in the viscosity of the oil, so be careful on those "start-up and take off down the road real quick escapes".
Bill in KY
When we were on the farm (long time ago) we had block heaters on all the gas and diesel tractors, and the farm truck. They did make for almost instant heat from the block for cab comfort, but they were a circulating heater mfd. by KATZ. They were installed in a heater hose or could be adapted to the lower radiator hose. They worked very good. Just a word of caution: the block heaters in our trucks DO NOT heat the crankcase oil, so there won't be much change in the viscosity of the oil, so be careful on those "start-up and take off down the road real quick escapes".
Bill in KY
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Posting Guru
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From: Dededo, Guam
Originally Posted by northbound350
Great, just the topic I was curious about. Does it hurt anything to start engine with the block heater still plugged in? Some old time diesel folks say to unplug heater before starting... as not to damage heater. Straighten me out please.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 780
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From: Chicago suburbs
I have been starting my 01 F250 a minute or two before I leave and while it is running I still have the heater plugged in, and I have not seen anything bad happen. So I go out to start the truck, go back in to gather all my things and say goodby's to my wife and kids. Go back to the truck and unplug the truck, and then leave. Did I mention to unplug the truck? Been doing this for the last 5 years.
Posting Guru
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
Its hard telling exactly where the plug will be found. The best way is to get underneath, look at the oil filter mount and follow the electrical wire to the front of the truck. They hide them inside the grille somewhere near where a tow hook may be or sometimes under the battery tray or even in the grille. Sometimes its like the Hunt for Red October, but you can find it.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: C H I C A G O
The plug for my block heater was found directly to the right of the front license plate bracket. Just reached my hand in , and their it was. I usually plug my truck it whenever it gets around or below zero outside. The combo of plugging the truck in , along with a 30min automatic start really makes the truck nice and toasty by the time i get out to it.
And for the record , yellow snakes following your truck are much worse than orange ! I know thsi from experience
And for the record , yellow snakes following your truck are much worse than orange ! I know thsi from experience
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