Engine Block Heater - How Cold???
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Bak'O Calif.
Engine Block Heater - How Cold???
It typically doesn't get below freezing where I live, but the overnight lows for the next three days are forecasted to be in the low 20°s. Is that cold enough to necessitate plugging in the engine block heater?? And, where the heck is the plug anyway??? I have a 2005 F-350 CrewCab w/ manual tranny (if that even matters...).
~~~~~TrekChick
~~~~~TrekChick
Last edited by TrekChick; Jan 11, 2007 at 02:43 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
Try this . . .
Darlin', if you have a 6.0, '05 and up, the heater is built into the engine. If your truck had the option of the block heater ordered, the cord is tie wrapped behind the front right (passenger side) tow hook.
You do have the heater, the question is whether you have the cord to it, it needs to be on your invoice for $35 or so, in order for them to have install the optional cord.
If the cord is there, pull it out and take the rubber boot/cap off. It heats up the engine block antifreeze to 55` to assist in easier startups. You decide if it is too cold or not to plug in.
There are several places to buy a cord to self install, see my gallery. IH dealer, Ford dealer, FTE sponser Ford dealrs, etc.
You do have the heater, the question is whether you have the cord to it, it needs to be on your invoice for $35 or so, in order for them to have install the optional cord.
If the cord is there, pull it out and take the rubber boot/cap off. It heats up the engine block antifreeze to 55` to assist in easier startups. You decide if it is too cold or not to plug in.
There are several places to buy a cord to self install, see my gallery. IH dealer, Ford dealer, FTE sponser Ford dealrs, etc.
Last edited by Lonewolftx; Jan 11, 2007 at 02:53 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Bak'O Calif.
Yes, I did order the truck with the heater & cord "just in case". We occasionally visit family up in Oregon where it really does get cold. I'll look for the plug when I get home. Thanks!!!
~~~~~TrekChick
~~~~~TrekChick
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
I've never had to plug mine in. I just give it a little while to warm up, guess I'm waiting for the day it doesn't start.
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
beyond that full time. This is for an outside vehicle.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Fort Fun
I have an attached garage that stays about 45-50, maybe less if it is really cold out, but I still plug the pig in for about 3hrs before I start up in the winter. Main reason is to help the truck get me warmer sooner. Seat heaters help in that regard but I am a certified wuss when it comes to cold temps. Therefore, I plug.
If it were sitting outside and temps dipped below 40 or so, I would still do it for easier start up.
Big
PS trekchick, nice bikes, although I ride Pennsylvania aluminum - Cannondale
I got my wife the same jersey you are wearing in the 2003 Palm Springs??? race. yur number is like 1556 or something.
If it were sitting outside and temps dipped below 40 or so, I would still do it for easier start up.
Big
PS trekchick, nice bikes, although I ride Pennsylvania aluminum - Cannondale
I got my wife the same jersey you are wearing in the 2003 Palm Springs??? race. yur number is like 1556 or something.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
It gets down right cold in upstate NY! I only plug the block heater in if it gets into the teens. Actually 15 degrees is my target temperature. I have never had a starting problem using this rule of thumb. I also let the engine warm up for 2 -3 minutes to make sure the oil is circulating well before driving the truck. Occassionly I do not have access to an outlet and usually the truck starts on the first cycle of the glow plugs. PS: I like the pic of you and your dog! Looks like a great companion.
sfd512
sfd512
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
According to the 2007 Diesel Suppliment:
P.11 The engine block heater must be used for starting when the temperature is -20F (-29C) or colder
When operating in cold weather , use a min of 45 Cetane Diesel or use Cetane Index improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
P.13 At temperatures of -4F (-20C) or below, it is recommended that you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.
P.11 The engine block heater must be used for starting when the temperature is -20F (-29C) or colder
When operating in cold weather , use a min of 45 Cetane Diesel or use Cetane Index improvers from a reputable manufacturer.
P.13 At temperatures of -4F (-20C) or below, it is recommended that you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
As stated above is out of the manual, My personal gauge is I like to plug it in around -5C (23F) and start to consider it a must for myself at -10C (14F) and below. I think a big contributing factor is what type of oil you have, 15W-40 will need the block heater (pan heater is better) sooner that the 0W-40 I am running in my truck.
Also I have read and anouther thread confirmed it that, more than 4 hours is a waste for the block heater.
Also I have read and anouther thread confirmed it that, more than 4 hours is a waste for the block heater.
Last edited by duffman77; Jan 11, 2007 at 07:25 PM.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
I agree with the oil concept and the time concept. Synthetic oil will be much easier on the engine, especially on cold start ups. I usually put my block heater on a timer for only 2 -3 hours, which seems to work out perfectly. My '03 manual really does not address specific temps for using the block heater. As always, one should follow the manufacturers recommendations.
sfd512
sfd512