Block Heaters, when do you start plugging in?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
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From: Canada
Block Heaters, when do you start plugging in?
New user to the site and to owning a PSD.
A couple of weeks ago when it was cold here, I started the van, after waiting for about 5 min. while loading and scraping the windows. I drove off and encountered the EBPV closing which meant no power and the air leak noise. After reading a bunch of threads I found that is normal. More reading and people suggested using a block heater to shorten the warming period.
Found the block heater cord under the hood, looks like the previous owner (original) never used it.
Reading the "Ford Owner's Guide Supplement 7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel", page 12 "Engine Block Heater" section.
It says "It is recommended for use whenever the outside temprature is 0*F [-18*C] or below."
It won't get that cold here, but will plugging it in for three hours before starting help with the warm up to stop the EBPV from closing?
The temprature I was thinking of plugging in at would be 32*F [0*C].
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1997 Ford E-350 with 7.3 PSD
Quigley 4x4 conversion
A couple of weeks ago when it was cold here, I started the van, after waiting for about 5 min. while loading and scraping the windows. I drove off and encountered the EBPV closing which meant no power and the air leak noise. After reading a bunch of threads I found that is normal. More reading and people suggested using a block heater to shorten the warming period.
Found the block heater cord under the hood, looks like the previous owner (original) never used it.
Reading the "Ford Owner's Guide Supplement 7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel", page 12 "Engine Block Heater" section.
It says "It is recommended for use whenever the outside temprature is 0*F [-18*C] or below."
It won't get that cold here, but will plugging it in for three hours before starting help with the warm up to stop the EBPV from closing?
The temprature I was thinking of plugging in at would be 32*F [0*C].
~~~~~~~~~~~
1997 Ford E-350 with 7.3 PSD
Quigley 4x4 conversion
Last edited by CraigH-CA; Jan 6, 2008 at 02:13 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Have my ebpv unhooked and this winter always connect the block heater for three hours before I go to work, on a timer. Low temps here are in 30-20-Teens. Sometimes I forget after work to connect power cord then although the truck start just fine I just don't have that throdle response and very poor heat in cab. I think everybody is different but for me I plug the beast in every night as I enjoy the cab heat within a few miles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
I plug mine in (on a timer) everyday. Just makes for a nicer truck in the morning. I have a short drive to work so it never heats up but it drives much nicer when the block heater is plugged in.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
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From: The boonies by Dallas OR
I don't have the EPBV since I have a exhaust brake.
I plug in when it's going to be below freezing. I usually do it about 1 hour before I go and that helps a lot. It just takes the chill off the engine but doesn't really warm it up. At three hours or more, the engine is 140F with the block heater on.
I plug in when it's going to be below freezing. I usually do it about 1 hour before I go and that helps a lot. It just takes the chill off the engine but doesn't really warm it up. At three hours or more, the engine is 140F with the block heater on.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: taunton , ma
i got mine on a timer too but only two hours before i leave the house but its set for like 6 hours just incase i ' m running late and i have the ebpv on a switch and the high idle my truck gets up to operating temp in just under two mins. thats no joke I timed it one day to see how long it takes it was 20*F the day I timed it
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Canada
Bought a timer and heavy gauge extension cord.
Plugged it in the other evening with the timer set for 3 hours before using it in the morning. Made a huge difference in the amount of start up smoke, and came up to operating temprature much quicker. Works well!
Plugged it in the other evening with the timer set for 3 hours before using it in the morning. Made a huge difference in the amount of start up smoke, and came up to operating temprature much quicker. Works well!
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 238
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From: Southwest Ohio
So I was under the impression that the only way the block heater kept the engine warm was if you plugged it in while the engine was still warm. I guess this isn't the case? Anyone want to enlighten me?
