when to use engine block heater!!
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
Where I live 50-60 deg. is almost T shirt weather.
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Senior User
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I WOULDNT SAY IT ISNT T SHIRT WEATHER. BUT I JUST DONT LIKE HAVING TO PUSH MY TRUCK TO GET UP TO SPEED WHEN ITS OLD. BUT I HAVE TO SAY SINCE I STARTED USING DIESEL KLEEN IT HAS BEEN RUNNING A LOT SMOOTHER IN THE MORNING.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Smiths Grove, KY
According to my 2006 Diesel Supplement manual, Ford recommends that you use the block heater when the temperatures drops to -4 deg F and states that the block heater must be used when the temperature drops to -20 deg F.
I usually start using the block heater when the temperature drops to around 32 deg F.
I usually start using the block heater when the temperature drops to around 32 deg F.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Claremore, OK
I've been using mine, but it's been down into the teens a couple of times over the last week. If it stays up in the 40's overnight I usually don't plug it in. I just take it easy on it until it warms up.
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From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Stevens County, WA
I will use my block heater at 32 degrees. It will start without it, but why not use it? It can only be better for the motor.
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
I have never used the block heater on my 6.0 If it's 30 or above when I start it I am driving within 1 minute. If it is in the 20's I let it idle for maybe 3 minutes before driving. The coldest I have ever started this truck was -2 F again not using block heater, and I let it idle for 10 minutes. All that idling on cold mornings for the first few minutes contributes to fuel dilution of the oil.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Claremore, OK
I have never used the block heater on my 6.0 If it's 30 or above when I start it I am driving within 1 minute. If it is in the 20's I let it idle for maybe 3 minutes before driving. The coldest I have ever started this truck was -2 F again not using block heater, and I let it idle for 10 minutes. All that idling on cold mornings for the first few minutes contributes to fuel dilution of the oil.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
Exactly, electricity is cheap compared to diesel...let along engine parts. Besides, when you fire it off in the morning..you've got a simi-warm cab pretty dang quick if you've plugged the truck in overnight.So why wouldn't want to use your block heater? Fuel in the oil isn't doing you a bit of good...unless your planning on burning your UMO/WMO in a shop heater.
What stops me is 1,000 watts X 13.6 cents a kilowatt and I can do it for free by just putting it in gear and driving. In your owners manual Ford recommends you use the block heater if the temp go to -10 F or colder. If you live in a southern exposure or just not comfortable driving for 8-10 min. before getting cabin heat, by all means use the block heater.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Cartersville, Ga
What stops me is 1,000 watts X 13.6 cents a kilowatt and I can do it for free by just putting it in gear and driving. In your owners manual Ford recommends you use the block heater if the temp go to -10 F or colder. If you live in a southern exposure or just not comfortable driving for 8-10 min. before getting cabin heat, by all means use the block heater.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2009
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To plug or not to plug
I agree with those who use the heater at warmer temps than required just for starting. Simply because I had most parts needed,I rigged a dedicated control that #1 will not alow power above 40f (used refrigerator t.stat). #2 is on timer(4am to 7am) #3 manual overide for unexpected trips off hours and weekends if temp is extra cold(by use of remote available in elect dept of H D Supply,Lowes). My belief is wear & tear would be minumized and wet stacking becomes less issue if the engine never fell below 100 deg. eventhough maintaining 100f would be somewhat over the top.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: northern,california
I only plug her in when temps are going to be 32 deg or lower. Last week it was in the low 20's with B80 in the tank, block heater plugged in for the night and she fired right up like it was summer time. If I was running on straight dino diesel I would not need to plug her in at all. I live on top of a hill so it is one mile all down hill in 1st gear and when I get to the flats she is blowing hot air in the heater and ready for work.