Block heater
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 3
From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
Originally Posted by justice
I only drive my truck(diesel 6.0) but once a week if that in the winter and I am wondering if I should just leave the truck plugged into the block heater ALL the time? or just at night? I just didnt know whether or not leaving it plugged in all the time is a bad thing? And any other things I could do to keep it from a deep freezing. I live in Salt Lake City Utah.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Just my $.02 
If you are using the truck once a week I don’t see that sitting around that much. I would agree with the consensus hear. Plug it in 3 or 4 hours before using truck once a week. If you are running the truck every other day for a short period of time. Look at all the water sitting in your exhaust because of all the short starts. At least when you use the truck once a week it is getting used normally and water build up won’t be a problem. All the fuel getting burned up and water in the exhaust is not worth it in my opinion.
If you are using the truck once a week I don’t see that sitting around that much. I would agree with the consensus hear. Plug it in 3 or 4 hours before using truck once a week. If you are running the truck every other day for a short period of time. Look at all the water sitting in your exhaust because of all the short starts. At least when you use the truck once a week it is getting used normally and water build up won’t be a problem. All the fuel getting burned up and water in the exhaust is not worth it in my opinion.
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
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Block heater on 7.3 and 6.0
You can leave them plugged in if you love your local power company, they really suck it up. I suggest going to Lowes or Home Depot and buying a Christmas light timer, they are digital weather proof and can be programmed for a week to turn on at any time you desire. I hate plugging my 7.3 in also, even though Ford says they will start in cold weather, they lie. I also put 20% gas in the tank when there is a long cold spell, I know, your're thinking you can't put gas in a diesel BUT trust me, I have 12 diesel powered trucks and machines and do it all the time without any problems. Ford even says you won't notice a problem with up to 30 % gas. Also gas is easier to find than un dyed Kero.....you don't want the headache of the DOT Nazzies if they pull you over and dip your tank. Good luck Sawbonz
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 10
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by sawbonz
I also put 20% gas in the tank when there is a long cold spell, I know, your're thinking you can't put gas in a diesel BUT trust me, I have 12 diesel powered trucks and machines and do it all the time without any problems. Ford even says you won't notice a problem with up to 30 % gas.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 10
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by 03KingRanch250
Can someone tell me a website to get a block heater from? It's getting pretty cold here in SC and i think i should plug my truck in.
Here is a link from the 6.0 tech folder to the install procedure.
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-20.php
You can get the cord at your local FMC dealer, Navistar dealer or try fleabay.
IIRC Navistar part #Z3500043
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Reads ***** rules!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,105
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From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
factory harness @ a cheaper price then any FORD dealer.................
http://catalog.powerstrokeshop.com/p...egoryID=124282
http://catalog.powerstrokeshop.com/p...egoryID=124282
Reads ***** rules!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,105
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From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
No problem, just forwarding the same help I had a few weeks ago on this forum. Ordered before I left for the holiday and was delivered while I was gone, going out to install it right now.
Reads ***** rules!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
Well, wasn't that bad, as soon as I heard the "POP" when I pulled my head out of my A** anyway! Getting the harness through the area above the engine X member was the hardest but is do-able. I also changed out the pinched factory (dual alternator) hot side intercooler tube with a non-pinched factory tube (single alternator). I don't understand why Ford would design the tube that way, there is plenty of room once the alt. harness is repositioned to the underside of the tube. If you need the install instructions/ diagram let me know, I can email the .pdf if you send me your email address.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Originally Posted by rotun
I also changed out the pinched factory (dual alternator) hot side intercooler tube with a non-pinched factory tube (single alternator). I don't understand why Ford would design the tube that way, there is plenty of room once the alt. harness is repositioned to the underside of the tube. If you need the install instructions/ diagram let me know, I can email the .pdf if you send me your email address.