Block Heater- Good Idea?
Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Somerville USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
Hello folks-
I have a 2001 F250 with the V10 engine- Lately it's been frigid up here and since I am a volunteer EMT- I often have to get up in the middle of the night in 6deg weather and shoot out- DOn't have much time to warm up engine. To me- I think I am causing premature wear on the engine- Would a block heater help??
2001 F250SD- Crew Cab/Lariat-Short Bed/v10/4.30/K&N
I have a 2001 F250 with the V10 engine- Lately it's been frigid up here and since I am a volunteer EMT- I often have to get up in the middle of the night in 6deg weather and shoot out- DOn't have much time to warm up engine. To me- I think I am causing premature wear on the engine- Would a block heater help??
2001 F250SD- Crew Cab/Lariat-Short Bed/v10/4.30/K&N
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Denver USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
It will definately help. My truck has the factory heater, and it will kick out heat within 2-3 minutes after starting. It idles low right off and just sounds better. If I lived in extremely cold conditions I'd add an oil pan heater as well since the factory one is just a freeze plug type that heats the coolant.
I think Y2K350 takes the prize with cold weather starting. He should have some real cold weather advice on this one!
I think Y2K350 takes the prize with cold weather starting. He should have some real cold weather advice on this one!
Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Somerville USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
Thanks- How would I know if mine has any type of factory heater?
I found the plug-type on on-line- Would I be better off with the oil pan one?? What is the difference?
I found the plug-type on on-line- Would I be better off with the oil pan one?? What is the difference?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Fairbanks USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
The factory freeze plug heater comes standard on just about everything sold here in Alaska. The only other cold weather items added by the dealers and consumers are a battery heater and they lube the vehicles with arctic grease so that your vehicle will still move even when it gets to -50. The oil pan heaters beware of. Some of them are dipstick type and tend to scorche your oil. I don't use an oil pan heater because the block heater heats the coolant wich in turn heats the block and keeps your oil from thickening. One thing I can definately reccomend is synthetic oil. I tried pouring regular 5w30 out of a quart bottle at -30 and it was like mollasses. it barely moved. Poured mobil 5w30 out at -30 and it poured freely. A 1500 watt circulating heater also is a nice add on. You will get heat alot faster in the cab. Some people even run interior heaters but they can be a fire hazard. My next add on to the truck is heated seats.
Hope I helped.
Hope I helped.
Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Somerville USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
Thanks Y2K350-
Yes you helped-
I looked under the drivers side, front wheel well and there is a 3 pronged plug there which looks to go to battery- My guess is it's either a charger or battery heater. In any case- You recommend I order the Ford heater that plugs into the freeze plug? Looks like that will be the easiest for me to order. I don't need anything interior since the truck has heated seats (NICE option). The truck is loaded but I bought it used and whoever had it before added some extras. If you think the factory plug heater will do the job (It's only NJ- not Siberia), I'll order that- Thanks
Yes you helped-
I looked under the drivers side, front wheel well and there is a 3 pronged plug there which looks to go to battery- My guess is it's either a charger or battery heater. In any case- You recommend I order the Ford heater that plugs into the freeze plug? Looks like that will be the easiest for me to order. I don't need anything interior since the truck has heated seats (NICE option). The truck is loaded but I bought it used and whoever had it before added some extras. If you think the factory plug heater will do the job (It's only NJ- not Siberia), I'll order that- Thanks
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Denver USA
Block Heater- Good Idea?
Check out Y2K350's gallery. There is a pic of his truck with an extension cord runing to the plug-in to the right (if you are standing in front) of the license plate. The plug loacation you are describing in the wheel well sounds wierd, maybe an add-on by the previous owner for the battery? 
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
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From: Denton,TX
Block Heater- Good Idea?
Originally posted by Jetsfan68
Thanks Y2K350-
Yes you helped-
I looked under the drivers side, front wheel well and there is a 3 pronged plug there which looks to go to battery- My guess is it's either a charger or battery heater. In any case- You recommend I order the Ford heater that plugs into the freeze plug? Looks like that will be the easiest for me to order. I don't need anything interior since the truck has heated seats (NICE option). The truck is loaded but I bought it used and whoever had it before added some extras. If you think the factory plug heater will do the job (It's only NJ- not Siberia), I'll order that- Thanks
Thanks Y2K350-
Yes you helped-
I looked under the drivers side, front wheel well and there is a 3 pronged plug there which looks to go to battery- My guess is it's either a charger or battery heater. In any case- You recommend I order the Ford heater that plugs into the freeze plug? Looks like that will be the easiest for me to order. I don't need anything interior since the truck has heated seats (NICE option). The truck is loaded but I bought it used and whoever had it before added some extras. If you think the factory plug heater will do the job (It's only NJ- not Siberia), I'll order that- Thanks
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