Wow, the block heater really makes a difference!

[Dante04SRT]

I hate to admit it, but our F350 is really my wife's daily driver. I'd rather her have the 4x4, the comfort and space. Anyhoo - She goes into work about an hour earlier than me and every morning I hear the truck start up. Since the weather has gotten pretty cold (usually 25*F-40*F) in the morning, the truck has been having issues.

I switched from Motorcraft to Delo400 and I noticed a big difference in starting in colder temps - IT SUCKS! There is nothing wrong with the truck itself, but the initial 2 seconds after starting just sounds like the thing is gonna come apart. It smooths out and is fine after that.

Last night, I decided to plug the truck in and when it started this morning (~28*F) it started right up with no problems at all! I had been avoiding plugging it in simply out of laziness (and the fact that I didn't want the wife to forget it as plugged in and drive off!). I just can't believe that a difference this made. My dad's 05 Cummins doesn't hardly ever get plugged in and it fires up in 10*F weather just fine - Don't get me wrong, I'm not doggin' the 6.0, just noting that she's a cold blooded mistress!

I think we'll continue to plug it in overnight this winter!

[shiprek]

The heater for the 6.0 makes a world of difference on cold mornings. I always plug mine in when the weather approaches the 40 degree mark. To save energy and $ I built a power supply that comes on about 4 in the morning (most folks on this site agree it takes the block about 4 hours to heat up) and when the temp does hit 40. When both conditions are satisfied my heater is energized. Really helps on chilly mornings.

[tigrtrk]

Originally Posted by Dante04SRT

I hate to admit it, but our F350 is really my wife's daily driver. I'd rather her have the 4x4, the comfort and space. Anyhoo - She goes into work about an hour earlier than me and every morning I hear the truck start up. Since the weather has gotten pretty cold (usually 25*F-40*F) in the morning, the truck has been having issues.

I switched from Motorcraft to Delo400 and I noticed a big difference in starting in colder temps - IT SUCKS! There is nothing wrong with the truck itself, but the initial 2 seconds after starting just sounds like the thing is gonna come apart. It smooths out and is fine after that.

Last night, I decided to plug the truck in and when it started this morning (~28*F) it started right up with no problems at all! I had been avoiding plugging it in simply out of laziness (and the fact that I didn't want the wife to forget it as plugged in and drive off!). I just can't believe that a difference this made. My dad's 05 Cummins doesn't hardly ever get plugged in and it fires up in 10*F weather just fine - Don't get me wrong, I'm not doggin' the 6.0, just noting that she's a cold blooded mistress!

I think we'll continue to plug it in overnight this winter!

I have my extension cord run so that I have to trip over it in the morning....makes it hard to forget to unplug!!

[HeavyAssault]

My 2006 will start the same way when cold. Sounds like crap for less then 15-20 seconds then smooths out nicely. I plug in as well when it gets colder.

[majek5]

Put a timer on it, so it turns on 3-4 hours before you plan on leaving. Or you are gonna hate the electric bill too.

[jimmyv13]

Originally Posted by Dante04SRT

I had been avoiding plugging it in simply out of laziness (and the fact that I didn't want the wife to forget it as plugged in and drive off!).

Throw the cord on the hood or wrap it around the mirror...hopefully, she'll see it before she drives away.

I plug mine in when the temps get below 40 at night. It's on a timer and comes on at 5 and I start it at 7. It does not need to be on all night, completely unecessary. 3-4 hours may be needed if the temps approach zero.

My buddy with the 7.3L, bought it new in '02, has never plugged his truck in...he starts it many times a winter below zero.

[drunk on diesel]

you can build a sold mount in the front (or rear) bumper so that as she (you?) backs out, it just unplugs :p

[oldbuck]

Does anyone know how much current the block heater draws? Seems a lot of the common timers found at lowes & home depot are very low current

[amdriven2liv]

I think it's 10 amps or a little less. 1000watts

For more info on your block heater:

Kat's

They recommend unplugging before starting.

[diablos30]

switch to 5w40 and dont worry about plugging it in