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Block heater question

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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 04:28 PM
  #1  
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aussiearcher
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Block heater question

I have an old ambulance..89 with a 7.ltr. The ambulance has an auto eject charging plug on the front fender, which disengages from the vehicle when the engine fires. I was under the impression that this unit was also connected to the block heater...i'm thinking it's not, as the engine is getting harder to start as the weather gets colder....my question is really...where is the engine heater located...so thet I can check...

cheers
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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GenLightening
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From: Pukalani, HI
Passenger side of the block, above the starter. Takes the place of one of the freeze plugs.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 08:46 AM
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aussiearcher
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Could you explain the recommended procedure to take...in order to take care of the vehicle in the winter months....someone mentioned battery blankets and sump heaters etc....just what will I need to do to keep this puppy running.
Cheers
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 09:31 AM
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PLC7.3
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From: Manitoba
Depending on how cold it gets where you are........

Coolant level, freeze protection level and SCA level....
Block heater, do a plug in wire continuity test or just plug it in for an hour, coolant hose should be warm and pressureized..
Check the batteries and clean all connections...
Check all GPs for ohm readings......if required test the controller and check the GP wires.
Replace oil with correct viscosity for winter......

6.9-7.3 Engine oil requirements.

32F to 100F+........30wt
0F to 100F+..........15W-40
32F to way below freezing ........10W-30
With the new oils...... 0W-40 is a good choice too in extreme cold

That's my 2 cents others have some suggestions too.....
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 11:17 AM
  #5  
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Dave Sponaugle
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
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Extreme cold and sudden cold snaps can cause fuel to gell, so some fuel conditioner with anti gelling addatives to lower the gell temp is good to have on hand.

Lots of gelling fuel problems last winter out on Iowa and Nebraska when the temps took a sudden dip well below normal.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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aussiearcher
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The temp here in the U.P. Michigan drops to about -25 F. The vehicle has new batteries...my concern is really when I leave it at night, outside the shop where I work. It will be parked from 10am till about 10pm, outside with no protection from the elements.
Any advice is greatly appreciated....I come from sunny Queensland in OZ, so he cold stuff and diesels are all part of a learning curve.
Cheers
 
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