lets talk block heater? winter is comming...
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 21
I use a heavy duty outdoor rated timer (block heater draws around 1,000 - 1,200 watts... so heavy duty cords and timers are a must.
I plug in either overnight (if very cold) or will let the timer run for 3 hours prior to me getting up and ready to start my truck.
I also recommend 5W-40 synthetic motor oil for the easiest cold weather starts you would ever want (versus 15W-40 dino oils).
I also use Powerservice fuel additives in the white bottle (anti-gel) when the temps start getting below 40 degrees or so (I use the grey bottle during the rest of the year).
Use/do all three... and your good to go!!!!
I plug in either overnight (if very cold) or will let the timer run for 3 hours prior to me getting up and ready to start my truck.
I also recommend 5W-40 synthetic motor oil for the easiest cold weather starts you would ever want (versus 15W-40 dino oils).
I also use Powerservice fuel additives in the white bottle (anti-gel) when the temps start getting below 40 degrees or so (I use the grey bottle during the rest of the year).
Use/do all three... and your good to go!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
I use a timer as well for about 3 hours and switch to 10w30 oil in the fall. I have a fomoto valve so oil changes are pretty easy for me to do. I just find the synthetic a bit too pricey, since I don't rack up alot of miles on mine anymore. The 15w40 will cause some problems in the colder climates during the winter. If temps are -25 or lower I don't bother with the timer.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 21
Three hours is pretty typical, but if you park outside and the temps and winds are blowing, you may have to just leave it plugged in all night as the wind and temps will draw off the heat generated by the heating element.
Leaving it plugged in all night will do no harm... but just run up your electric bill... but for a few months, who cares (same wattage as a blow dryer when in use).
Even if not totally warmed up, it will help anyways... the use of synthetic oil (5W-40) will make for easier starts even if used alone and not with a block heater... heck, what are you going to do when you park at the mall for a few hours... this is why I am a big believer of synthetic oils (especially for winter operation).
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
From: South central kansas
I store mine in an unheated-uninsulated shop. I run my heater on a timer. I start it 2- 2.5 hours before I start my truck. When I get it started it is 100-120* and there is no cold start rough running for a minute. I also use white diesel kleen in the cold months. My motor oil is what the dealer puts in for me. I think it is the blended synthetic. Without the block heater water is same temp as it is outside and runs rough for a minute or so after startup.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
I have heard mixed reviews on when to plug in. I understand if parked outside but would it really be necessary for me to plug in if it is in the garage that rarely gets below freezing? Every now and then the garage will dip into the 20s. Would it be better to plug in or not? Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Since it is in the garage and not too cold I would just have it on for an hour or 2 before you want to drive it. When it gets cold don't plug it in and start it then next time have the block heater run for an hour or 2 and listen to the difference.
You aren't really hurting anything either way but I just like it when it starts up and is already running smooth.
You aren't really hurting anything either way but I just like it when it starts up and is already running smooth.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
I use a heavy duty outdoor rated timer (block heater draws around 1,000 - 1,200 watts... so heavy duty cords and timers are a must.
I plug in either overnight (if very cold) or will let the timer run for 3 hours prior to me getting up and ready to start my truck.
I also recommend 5W-40 synthetic motor oil for the easiest cold weather starts you would ever want (versus 15W-40 dino oils).
I also use Powerservice fuel additives in the white bottle (anti-gel) when the temps start getting below 40 degrees or so (I use the grey bottle during the rest of the year).
Use/do all three... and your good to go!!!!
I plug in either overnight (if very cold) or will let the timer run for 3 hours prior to me getting up and ready to start my truck.
I also recommend 5W-40 synthetic motor oil for the easiest cold weather starts you would ever want (versus 15W-40 dino oils).
I also use Powerservice fuel additives in the white bottle (anti-gel) when the temps start getting below 40 degrees or so (I use the grey bottle during the rest of the year).
Use/do all three... and your good to go!!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 2
From: Farmington NM
Yes, just test it. Start with a hour and see how it's runs, then try to and see what your truck likes.
Last year I did not have a place to plug in and started many of mornings at 15-20F.
The heater does help to have cab heat sooner in the morning though!
Last year I did not have a place to plug in and started many of mornings at 15-20F.
The heater does help to have cab heat sooner in the morning though!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Here in texas it doesnt hardly get cold enough to use the block heater, but my old 7.3, even with new glow plugs didnt wanna start if under 40 if it wasent plugged in. Mt 6.0 does alright, especially after i got the new flash. The only reason i plug it in is for the heater.lol
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: Smiths Grove, KY
The following is from my Diesel Supplement Manual:
This tells me that the truck is designed to start at a pretty cold temperatures, however I think using the block heater when it gets down much below 40 makes sense just to make starting easier.
<O
</O
Cold weather starting
The engine block heater must be used for starting when the temperature is -20°F (-29°C) or colder.
The engine block heater must be used for starting when the temperature is -20°F (-29°C) or colder.
At temperatures of -4°F (-20°C) or below, it is recommended that you use an engine block heater to improve cold engine starting.
This tells me that the truck is designed to start at a pretty cold temperatures, however I think using the block heater when it gets down much below 40 makes sense just to make starting easier.
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