Please help me settle something..
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Joined: Jan 2007
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I think it comes down to what works for you. I would probably give it longer than 2.5 hours but if it works stick with it. I dont think the subject deserve all of this energy. I actually forget to plug my own truck in and it starts fine.
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Senior User
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Well, that's just it.. I'm the noob here, and you guys are the pros, so I beg to differ a little bit, I think it deserves opinions -- I'd like to see what you guys are doing here, so I can learn as opposed to starting off wrong.. On average, it doesn't get much lower then 8-10 degrees around here, during peak cold times..
Originally Posted by Max66
I think it comes down to what works for you. I would probably give it longer than 2.5 hours but if it works stick with it. I dont think the subject deserve all of this energy. I actually forget to plug my own truck in and it starts fine.
Freshman User
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If gets down that low I would plug it in for more than 2.5 hours. I would think 2.5 hours would get it warm enough. I would think that would get it to the point that would make it very esy to start. That should also reduce the wear on your starter and engine components.
Has 2.5 hours beebn working at those temps?
Has 2.5 hours beebn working at those temps?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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It's hard to tell. What got me on this kick was the first night it dropped under 32. I noticed it was a little sluggish starting, and chugged a little for about 20 seconds, then it smoothed right out.. That's what got me going on the "how long to plug this thing in" subject...
Originally Posted by Max66
If gets down that low I would plug it in for more than 2.5 hours. I would think 2.5 hours would get it warm enough. I would think that would get it to the point that would make it very esy to start. That should also reduce the wear on your starter and engine components.
Has 2.5 hours beebn working at those temps?
Has 2.5 hours beebn working at those temps?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Paola, KS
My truck starts fine at 16 below zero with no help at all. The only time I have plugged mine in is when the injectors were messed up. It does warm up and have the heater working a lot faster though when you plug it in.
As for the amount of electricity it uses it is either on or off (plugged in or not plugged in). 3-4 hours is fine. As soon as you plug it in it is on, it does not cycle.
As for the amount of electricity it uses it is either on or off (plugged in or not plugged in). 3-4 hours is fine. As soon as you plug it in it is on, it does not cycle.
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Brian
If you start it allot at that temp do you go through batteries quicker? Or have you had any problems with the batteries. I would say it takes a while to warm up at that temp? I think it is just easier on the motor and all components if you plug it in.
If you start it allot at that temp do you go through batteries quicker? Or have you had any problems with the batteries. I would say it takes a while to warm up at that temp? I think it is just easier on the motor and all components if you plug it in.
Last edited by Max66; Dec 4, 2007 at 09:01 PM.
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From: Long Island, NY
You know what I find hard to believe... that the heater is optional on diesels and not standard. My buddy bought a 06' dually and he didnt know it wasnt equipped. Strange.
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I didnt think it was an option. I thought that when you select diesel on the order it automatically puts the block heater and cord on the order. Just to check I just emailed my dealer and I will let you know what he says.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Orange Park, Fl
Originally Posted by Max66
I just heard back from my dealer. It is standard on all diesels but it is well hidden. Those were his words
Fords website has the block heater as a option, even when checking the diesel engine. Mike
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I have read that the block heater is 1100 watts. I have a voltage/ wattage meter (Kill-a-Watt) and when I put it on my truck it displayed 974 watts, or 119 volts @ 8.19 amps and it did not change by more than +/- 2 watts after a few hours. I checked it both hot and cold no difference. I was curious if there was a thermostat but obviously not.