mpg
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
A block heater will make it easier on your truck starting on cold mornings. If our lazy like me...I plug mine in anytime it's be low 40F so that the defroster will clear the windshield for me, and I don't have to clear it. Your PCM is going to cycle the plugs every time you go to start the truck...it's usually the relay that goes and not the heating elements themselves. You do know wait until the glow plug light goes out before starting, right? Now, these truck will start below 0F without a block heater, it just takes longer for them to warm up. Something else, depending on how cold it gets where you are in 'bama...you might think about using a lighter weight synthetic oil (5W40) instead of the warmer weather stuff (15W40).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
Diesel Technician Society
Also from the link, go to either International/Navistar or eBay and get an IH #Z3500043. Don't waste your money on the Ford part, it's the same as the IH one and three times the cost.
Here's a "fleabay" special:
New Ford Powerstroke Diesel Block Heater Cord 6.0 6.4 L:eBay Motors (item 250557854630 end time Jan-10-10 09:23:42 PST)
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
I do believe that varies region to region. Being up in yankeeland, more then likely, you'll be one of the longer holdouts with the winter blend.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
Where I live we don't seem to run winter fuel as much down here...so I don't any experience with winter fuels. But I wonder how much Powerservice or Staydine would help offset the crappy mileage. Does anyone know if there's any effect or are you cursed to crappy mileage as long as the winter stuff is out there? My mileage hasn't suffered...but then I start running the white bottle of DPS when the temps are going to be below 35F...so my data is skewed.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Where I live we don't seem to run winter fuel as much down here...so I don't any experience with winter fuels. But I wonder how much Powerservice or Staydine would help offset the crappy mileage. Does anyone know if there's any effect or are you cursed to crappy mileage as long as the winter stuff is out there?
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
A block heater will make it easier on your truck starting on cold mornings. If our lazy like me...I plug mine in anytime it's be low 40F so that the defroster will clear the windshield for me, and I don't have to clear it. Your PCM is going to cycle the plugs every time you go to start the truck...it's usually the relay that goes and not the heating elements themselves. You do know wait until the glow plug light goes out before starting, right? Now, these truck will start below 0F without a block heater, it just takes longer for them to warm up. Something else, depending on how cold it gets where you are in 'bama...you might think about using a lighter weight synthetic oil (5W40) instead of the warmer weather stuff (15W40).
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
I spend more effort tracking my fuel economy than probably anybody else on this site and I can say that the way you operate your truck, the routes you travel have as much effect as any other factor affecting economy. Winter Fuel does lower your economy, the fact that the engine is cold (& maybe more idle time) and may not be comming up to temperature is having a much larger effect.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
I spend more effort tracking my fuel economy than probably anybody else on this site and I can say that the way you operate your truck, the routes you travel have as much effect as any other factor affecting economy. Winter Fuel does lower your economy, the fact that the engine is cold (& maybe more idle time) and may not be comming up to temperature is having a much larger effect.
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 9
From: Oaks,PA
On that note, am I the only one that turns the key and looks at the left side of the instrument cluster in anything they drive looking for the squiggly line to go out? I find myself doing that in the wifes car. She laughs at me. Oh well.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
I've said it before...and I'll say it again. Adrian & the other moderators have given is some great tools on this site. With that said, if you click on "My Garage" next to my avatar you'll see both rigs in my "garage". Click either one and you get all kinds of information....including fuel mileage. Last time I checked, the information I've been uploading is the most complete and longest running. I challanage anyone to get better information and mileage.