I can't get this thing to start cold. I tried the block heater. but it doesn't seem to have any effect. Is there a way to check the block heater for functionality? Any other advise on getting this thing started?

 

Welcome to the site!

You will want to try out our tech forums. Click on the Forums tab at the upper left and scroll over the board. There is a general diesel board and another for the 6.9L: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum117/ Try'em out and see how you do. Oh, you also have a chapter for your state that deals with local topics: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum189/