Extreme cold weather running

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Feb 7, 2003 | 04:28 AM

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Junior User

Joined: Sep 2002

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Extreme cold weather running

I'm going to be working the rest of the winter in an area where low temps can hit -20F at night on occasion, and where high temps may be in single digits. I am wondering if I should be considering a block heater. I'd hate to layout $$ for something I normally wouldn't need, but it beats a cracked block or otherwise doomed engine. I've heard of guys putting a trouble light under the block overnight to keep things warmer. I'm using Mobil1 synth. 5w/30. Should I be ok without a heater or similar alternative for the temps I described? And yes, I just put in a new heavy-duty battery, and the cooling system is ready to roll

'95 F150 sc, 4x4
302
4R70W

Last edited by GB; Feb 7, 2003 at 04:30 AM.

Feb 7, 2003 | 05:16 AM

RichB

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 28

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From: Duluth, MN

Extreme cold weather running

I live in an area with weather as you describe. Yes I have a block heater, but I don't plug the truck in. My truck is parked on the street. As long as the battery is in good shape and anti freeze set up correctly you will be ok. The synth oil will help as well. Just run the engine a till the oil gets flowing before taking off.

Feb 7, 2003 | 08:18 PM

turn8

Freshman User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 29

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Extreme cold weather running

GB,
I have used block heaters for years, try running a timer,
turn on your block heater 4-5 hours before you want to leave.
Most heaters are 1500 watts, so at 8 or 9 cents
per KW hour (1000 watts per hour - or 8 /9 cents per hour)
your hourly cost would be ~ 12 - 13 cents per hour, very cheap
considering a very stiff engine. also NAPA sells ZEROSTART
battery warmers (80watts) just plug in ALL night, a warm
battery will get you goin.
check out ZEROSTART.com

turn8 @ roadamerica.

Feb 7, 2003 | 11:11 PM

fastf150

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 150

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Extreme cold weather running

GB, I used to live up in North Chicago where winter lasts from november to april. Get the block heater. The engine will last longer, start easier, and get this...the heater in the car is warms you up a hell of alot quicker as the block is not sitting at -20 degrees when you start it. And change your oil to 5w30 during the winter.

Feb 8, 2003 | 07:44 AM

Avanti

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 763

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From: home

Extreme cold weather running

I live in Nebraska where it has gotten to 30 below. Ten bellow a couple of weeks ago. If it sits out at night get the block heater. Also it would not hurt to insulate your heater hoses with the rubber tube insulation . Also put some card board "winter front" when the temps are in the teen or below. I also was stationed in Alaska for a year. Being originally from Miss I learned the hardway about the cold weather.

Feb 9, 2003 | 09:22 PM

2fords

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 16

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From: North Pole USA

Extreme cold weather running

I live in Alaska, and the ONLY way to go is get a block heater installed, a battery pad, and a pad RTV'ed to your tranny pan. DO NOT put that B.S. cardboard thing in front of the radiator. Not only does it not work right and fall off at highway speeds, it looks tacky. I suggest getting a cover made for the front. A place here does themcustomed to your truck for about 30 bucks. It has snaps for taking it off, and it zippers up the front for less or more airflow. You might want to spend the bucks for an autostart system.

Feb 14, 2003 | 08:26 PM

Leo_T

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Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 341

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From: eastern Ma

Extreme cold weather running

just another option would be the remote starter that has the cold weather mode. It's made by AAMP and has two buttons on it. The first one starts the car and runs it 15 min and shuts itself off. The second button will start it and shut off too, but it will start it every 4 hours until you press the button, and let the lights flash about 5 or 6 times. Great gadget.