Just bought my first diesel and I know exactly nothing about them. I don't even have the truck yet, getting it tomorrow after work. Had a Silverado 1500 that I beat the hell out of for 130k - never an issue with it, but that thing was a ticking time bomb. I've been searching this forum for info for a while to help determine what I wanted for a truck and what I want to do to it once I get it. Decided on the F350 diesel extended cab with the 4.10 rear based on what most of you guys had to say. Bigger boat on the way next summer and the ol Chevy just didn't have it...

Anyway - here's my question. I've been reading a lot about cold starting these engines. There are a couple topics on it running right now, gee - must be getting cold out lol. I've seen people talking about plugging them in - that's the block heater, right? New to diesels so bear with me here. Do all the diesels have that or is it an option? Mine's the Lariat and according to the sales guy (cough cough bull*****) <COUGH, bull***** cough,>it has every option. If I don't have the heater, should I get it? If I do have it, where is it and what do I do with it? I live in Western MA so we get some pretty cold weather.

BTW, I'm actually not stupid, just VERY green with diesels!! Any input is appreciated...thanks much guys.

 

Yes they are talking about the block heater you more than likely do have one look for the cord in the front of the truck some where close to the tow hooks my cord was ran across the front bumper and to the right side tow hook the block heater will be on the left side of the block.

 

my cord was hiddin up behind the rad...i just fallowed the cord from the oil cooler right next to the oil filter (orange wire) and fallowed it back till i found it...

 

I plug my block heater in as soon as I shut the truck off during the cold months, that way it just has to keep things warm. I own a van so it helps some in keeping not just the coolant warm but the oil and whatever fuel is in the engine compartment as well. Not sure how well they work on pickups. Of course, there's no better insurance for cold starting than making sure your glow plugs are working properly, batteries up to snuff and keeping some kind of anti-gelling additive in the fuel.

 

wow...thanks for the quick responses and info. I'll check it out tomorrow night when I pick it up. Thanks all!

 

mine was tied up to the left of the drivers side tow hook, you could reach back in there and feel a wire loom. There was enough slack in it to pull the plug out next to the tow hook.