Block Heater
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The electric bill will be higher, also use a good heavy cord. 12 guage wire is OK for 25 feet, should be 10 guage for longer than that but less than 100 feet.
A heavy duty timer to turn the block heater on about three hours before you want to start the truck will save some electricity.
A heavy duty timer to turn the block heater on about three hours before you want to start the truck will save some electricity.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
One pointer for all the block heater users......
If you think the block heater is toasted, first always check the wire(s) just behind the 120 plug at the grill. The power wire will break there first, so do a continuity test on the plug and wiggle the wires to see if continuity is intermittent, if it is replace the plug end. If your still not getting the continuity go down to the Bheater and check it is plugged in and do a continuity test across the power pins there.
If you think the block heater is toasted, first always check the wire(s) just behind the 120 plug at the grill. The power wire will break there first, so do a continuity test on the plug and wiggle the wires to see if continuity is intermittent, if it is replace the plug end. If your still not getting the continuity go down to the Bheater and check it is plugged in and do a continuity test across the power pins there.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Only the electric bill. Most block heater run in the 1000 watt neighborhood.
I have seen 600, 800 and 1200 watt in the several that I have replaced in my truck over the years.
I used to have mine on a timer, but since I never know when I have to go plow snow or spread salt I just plug mine straight in to the oulet now. That way I am always ready to roll at the drop of a snowflake.
If you always leave at a regular time in the morning, having the block heater come on three hours before you want to go will save a lot on the electric bill thru the entire winter.
If you have your glow plugs and batteries working good, the block heater is not really needed till it goes below 0, but it is nice to be able to start defrosting the windows as soon as the engine fires.
I have seen 600, 800 and 1200 watt in the several that I have replaced in my truck over the years.
I used to have mine on a timer, but since I never know when I have to go plow snow or spread salt I just plug mine straight in to the oulet now. That way I am always ready to roll at the drop of a snowflake.
If you always leave at a regular time in the morning, having the block heater come on three hours before you want to go will save a lot on the electric bill thru the entire winter.
If you have your glow plugs and batteries working good, the block heater is not really needed till it goes below 0, but it is nice to be able to start defrosting the windows as soon as the engine fires.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
there are several types, cheapest is either the ones that go in the lower radiator hose or the ones that have to go in the side of the block. I don't much care for the ones in the radiator hose myself. There is another type that is a self pumping kind of, it mounts in the heater hose or the drain plug on the block, and t's into the heater hose, and circulates by percolation basically, we have used them on the farm tractors for years. Most any parts store should have any of the heaters.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
The one I got for my 6.9 came from NAPA to the tune of $45, and isn't always available. My factory unit looked like someone took it out when the motor was rebuilt, and it blew out on one of the coldest nights on and ice slick 3 hours from home with a loaded trailer... not much fun. It goes in the plug right above the starter. Take a look, you may well have one already there, as far as I know, all the diesels come with them from the factory. You may have the infamous cord problem...
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 743
Likes: 2
From: MI -- farmboy
Unless you are on call for something, it is a waste to leave your block heater plugged in all the time. GEt a good timer, something that will handle 1000watts. I think mine cost me $20 at KMart. I just used a xmas tree light timer, just had to check over a few and get the highest watts. If you leave at 7 inthe morning, set the timer to come on at 4am and off at 7am (or 7:15). It wont hurt the truck to leave it plugged in all night, but its a waste. We as a nation need to learn how to conserve and wuit wasting soo much. No wonder fuel tripled in the last 4 years, everybody has to drive a full size 4wd over powered gas guzzler to take their kids to soccer and to pick up mail. I bet 95% of these poeple NEVER use the 4wd out of neccesity. Not knocking you guys, just got off on a rant. High fuel prices have made it hard on us who REQUIRE the need of a full size 4wd vehicle for work.
Dont knock my mustang, it gets 29.5mph (hwy and 24 around town) when I dont have my foot shoved through the floor......
Dont knock my mustang, it gets 29.5mph (hwy and 24 around town) when I dont have my foot shoved through the floor......
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Guys have told me that if you leave the heater controls in the defrost settings
when you park and plug in that natural convection of warm water helps keep the front windshield frost free. Never tried it,I never plug in, it usually doesn't get that cold here.
when you park and plug in that natural convection of warm water helps keep the front windshield frost free. Never tried it,I never plug in, it usually doesn't get that cold here.