6.0 Block Heater
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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I think I'll reconsider losing the 10W-40 standard synthetic right away and adding the diesel 5W-40. Don't forget that synthetic oil is rated for well over 12,000 miles as opposed to the standard oil which should be changed every 3,000-5,000. I do change the oil filter every 5,000.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Can come either way. Pop the hood, and look for one... or look underneath.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Lakewood, Ca.
They all come with a block heater. You may or may not have the block heater cord. Crawl up under there and have a look.....I found mine up behind the tow point on the passenger side behind the bumper.
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From what I understand, if your truck was purchased in a state with freezing type winters, it will have the cord as well. After 5 years and having the cold weather start issues, I finally looked and found mine coiled up with a plastic tie right in front of the radiator and just above the bumper. As your looking at the front of the truck, it was about a 18 inches to the right of the left tow hook. Good luck.
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If your block heater has not been used in a while... do this:
visually check for shorts, breaks, etc.
pressure wash it from block to plug to remove accumulated road salt.
If the plug can be disassembled, do so and check for corrosion.
Ditto check for corrosion at block end.
Use a voltmeter to test for short before you plug it in.
Use a GFI protected socket.
Do not plug in when it is still wet.. and you are wet.. standing on a pool of water.
visually check for shorts, breaks, etc.
pressure wash it from block to plug to remove accumulated road salt.
If the plug can be disassembled, do so and check for corrosion.
Ditto check for corrosion at block end.
Use a voltmeter to test for short before you plug it in.
Use a GFI protected socket.
Do not plug in when it is still wet.. and you are wet.. standing on a pool of water.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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thanks alot teddy and gearloose the info is quite helpful i will certainly check the truck tommorow i just bought this truck two days ago and the weather here is dipping down into the single digits so i really had no time to prepare for this. but i will have to act fast cause i need to get this truck on the road for work.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
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thanks alot teddy and gearloose the info is quite helpful i will certainly check the truck tommorow i just bought this truck two days ago and the weather here is dipping down into the single digits so i really had no time to prepare for this. but i will have to act fast cause i need to get this truck on the road for work.
Do yourself a real favor.
Take it in for an oil and filter (air, fuel, etc.) change now.
Change to 5w-40 HD diesel oil. 100% synthetic.
Shell Rotella or like top brand.
It will do more for you than block heater.
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Does Mobil one make a 5w-40 diesel synthetic?
Post Fiend
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Junior User
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Thanks