when to use engine block heater!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
Where I live 50-60 deg. is almost T shirt weather.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
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.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
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
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
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.
Reads ***** rules!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 3
From: So.Ca./ N.E. UT
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
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
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
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
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
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
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 163
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
Posts: 425
Likes: 4
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.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
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.