Block Heater Bad?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Coeur d' Alene, ID
Block Heater Bad?
Okay, this is my first diesel, but I have had a lot of trucks with block heaters. My question is 2 parts. First, shouldn't this one be just like on in a gas truck, when you leave it plugged-in all night you should have a little heat, the temp guage should not still be completely buried at cold, and when it is 28 degrees outside it shouldn't take 15 minutes to get the temp guage at the lowest part of the normal range? Second, I am thinking that my heater is bad, and my brother-in-law had a 2000 PSD and his was bad, so is it common for the stock ones to go bad. If this is the case, I can get a new frost plug heater that is 600W, for $15. So, should I go with that one, or is it a high enough wattage to even be worth it? I have never had a problem with a frost plug heater going out. I guess that I should also add that if I am going to be replacing this I will have to drain the coolant, and what type of coolant do you guys use? Is there any special kind that I need as this is a diesel? I want to change to Amsoil coolant, but I just can't afford it yet. Thanks in advance for your help!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
The temp guage is not a good indicator if the block heater is working. Mines at cold too even if i plug it in all night. Before youstart your truck check the engine block to see if its warm. The block heater is right by the oil filter so you should be able to check it there. I think the block heater is 1000 watts Im not for sure. As for coolant check the owners manual for the right kind. Or go to your localFord dealer to find out. Using the proper coolant is critical to these engines.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Baltimore
Plug the block heater in and after a few minutes feel the element. It should be getting at least warm where it screws in the block. Don't expect it to heat the coolant to the point where you get hot air out of the heater. Like the crankcase, the cooling system has a rather large capacity and the block heater alone won't get the job done. If you leave it plugged in all night all of the time the electric bill will take a chunk out of your wallet. Diesels are different than gassers and it takes awhile to adjust, especially when going from gas to diesel power. If you want instant heat in the winter, there is an aftermarket kit that will heat things up nicely for about $1000.00.
