Block heater without plugging in

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Jan 13, 2009 | 02:56 PM

#16

superduty4x4

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 12,177

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From: Newport, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BansheeBoy

I cycle it 2 or 3 times as well. I did it a week or 2 ago with my buddy in the truck and he told me it's a good way to but out the glow plugs. I've done it quite a bit with no issues at all, and I've never seen anything here about it being an issue. He said on his tractors, it's a no no. He's got a couple Deere's and a Kubota if I remember correctly.

Any one else ever hear anything about it being bad? I think he's off his rocker...

You're just making them do what they are designed to do... can't see how it would hurt them.
You could also rig up some skirting out of cardboard and run a small propane/kerosene heater under the truck for 30 minutes or so prior to starting it.

Jan 13, 2009 | 03:03 PM

#17

Kwikkordead

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 25,090

Likes: 1,112

From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BansheeBoy

The glow plugs are like little oven elements. They will heat up to a certain point and then the laws of nature kick in and resistance to current flow steps up and they get no hotter. Just night and bright cherry red.

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty4x4

My old boss used to tell me about how they had to build fires underneath truck engines and rear differentials in the wintertime in Austria where he grew up.
They wouldn't even move if they didn't heat up the diffs.

Jan 13, 2009 | 03:06 PM

#18

superduty4x4

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 12,177

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From: Newport, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwikkordead

They wouldn't even move if they didn't heat up the diffs.

Jan 15, 2009 | 10:10 AM

#19

mjj7983

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 2

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Don't worry

I have a 03 with 7.3 it is sitting in the parking lot right now at -24. I use a auto start and crank it at lunch and right before going home. Use additive and with #2 no problems. Oh and by the way it was -38 last night, block heater plugged in, started fine this morning.