Plug in Heater

[IBStrokinit]

Hey i was just wondering...My 01 250 HATES cool, yes i said cool mornings...It was 49 yesterday morning and it took for EVER to start...now this morning i plugged in before goin to bed and cranked fine this morn...SO my question is will it hurt to keep plugged in all the time? Or should i just do a few hours before I leave...I just dont wanna have to wake up earlier than I have to. ARe there any long term disadvantages to keeping plugged in is my question i guess...

THANKS

[Six0~Stroker]

it will not hurt anything other then your electricity bill by leaving it plugged in. just using a heater to keep oil relatively warm.
It would be smart I guess if you just bought a cheap timer to start 2-3 hrs before you need to leave. (I still leave it plugged in all night) I need to buy the darn timer too

[Silver200273L]

Just curious how cold should I plug it in? I'm new to diesel. I live I'm Indiana and weather start getting colder.

[van-boy]

my truck does the same. the first time i get frost on my windows i use a timer. starts at 4 when i get up and off at 6 when i leave.

bailey

[Six0~Stroker]

I do it under 30*... some don't touch it till 15*.
Whatever your truck likes

[Silver200273L]

Cool thanks for the info!

[Zaairman]

Why not fix your glow plug issues first?


I usually plug mine in below 25*. It'll start no problem below that temp without being plugged in, it just takes a few mins to warm up and be happy with life.

[Bionic4.0]

Might I sugest checking your glow plug relay and glow plugs. Also maybe after turning your key to run let it set there an extra minute before cranking it over, as the plugs can stay energized for up to two minutes after the light goes out. I think maybe some one can chime in if I'm wrong.

Also a good injector cleaner and fuel filter may help.

Good luck.

Last year the only time I had trouble was when my fuel hear shorted out. Started strong after an over night rest in temps that dropped in to teens for most of the night.

[dieselcrawler]

Sounds like you have glow plug issues that should be addressed...

However...

Even with properly operating glow plugs, I still plug mine in when it gets to the 30's, I like the fact that the whole engine and trans is warm, and half way to operating temp, less wear and tear on start up, and nearly instant heat in the cab!!! Just easier on everything... You can use a timer, just make sure it's a heavy duty one that's rated for 1800 watts or 15 amps... yes, that's oversize, the factory block heater is 1000 watts from what I've been told, but you don't want the timer to be maxxed out all the time, you'll burn it up. (been an electrician for 15+ years, trust me!) I leave mine plugged in over night, but 2-3 hours is normally enought to do the trick.

[shiz big red]

Get the stancor relay for your glow plugs and check your batteries make sure both of them are good if not you will have starting problems at those cool temps and will have to replace both batteries. Cold doesn't really start until 0 but i plug mine in when it gets under 10 never have problems. Run lighter oil like rotela 5w40 with the stancor relay I run both of those and she fires up without being plugged in I just plug her in under 10 just in case.