I have no place to plug my new truck in at my apt. complex. After this next winter I will be in a house (if all goes well)... but I gotta find an alternative energy block heater so I can start my truck on these cold NY mornings.

Anyone know of a block heater that doesn't use electricity?

 

If ALL equipment(GPR,GP's,batteries,electrical connections,anti-gel additives used...etc.) is in excellent working order u should be able to start without a block heater no matter how cold. Seen reports of folks starting the PSD @-25F
in Alaska and Canada.
I've never seen or heard of anything other than electricity to keep the block warm but one can get creative with insulation.
Nut

 

Just make sure that your battery's are in top condition and the GPR is in working order and you'll do fine.

 

I had some surging in 10-15deg starts at the end of the season this year. Not feeling too confident in -25deg.

I can replace the batteries. GPR? Glow plug relay?

 

Right, Glow Plug Relay. No need to replace it before it goes bad. You'll know instantly if it's bad the first cold morning you have trouble starting it. You can get a spare at Napa for around $24, ask for GPR 109.
On a really cold morning it will help after you turn the key on if you wait about a full minute before cranking as it will heat the glow plugs better.
There are lots of good winter start articles in the sticky notes at the top of 99-02 forum page when you open it, try there for more info.

 

Use a syn 5W-40 oil too.

Nut

 

might want some sort of weatherbrake for the grille as well, keep the motor protected a little more.
strokin_it7.3 had a cheap way in his gallery i think

 

Yep, there's a couple of manufacturers that make a propane unit... sit down when you see the price tag though.... Sold them like wildfire to the oilfield in Wyoming back in the 80's.

 

Got a link?

 

http://www.servicemate.com/catalog/partdetail.aspx?partno=8152 how long you think this would need to run to start in -25 to -5 deg?

Figure a little propane for the block heater in the winter, little propane for the engine in the spring, summer, and fall .

 

Normally they let them run all night. Works like a coffee pot perculator and circulates the antifreeze through the block.