How long will block heater work?

MaxdLaw · Nov 1, 2014

Well guys winters comin and I've owned two 6.0s but never during a winter. I've heard when you plug them in at night the heater only stays on for three hours. Is there truth to this? I have a timer for the cord if so. How do you plug yours up and how long you let yours sit in the cold mornings before work? Lemme know!

-max

HOOV3R · Nov 2, 2014

There is no timer, the block heater is just a regular heating element. It will stay on for as long as you plug it in.

Trqmnstr · Nov 2, 2014

Plug it in 2 hours before you want to start it, that seems to be the go to amount of time.

cam91 · Nov 2, 2014

It's easier for the block heater to keep the oil warm if plugged in right after parking. That's what I do, but temperature does drop to -40's and -50's so probably different circumstances

Sent from my magic poop stealing water chair

ToMang07 · Nov 2, 2014

I plug it in overnight whenever it's really cold out, (read 25*F or lower) but I set a timer that turns on 3 hours before I leave. Works like a charm.

Trqmnstr · Nov 2, 2014

Its usually well below zero (10-15 below) here and i plug in for 2 hours. She will start with 3 gp cycles at -15 sitting for 10-12 hours without using the block heater but there is some crazy ass whining from the intake for a few seconds. Lols

This morning it didn't fire right away after one gp cycle tho and it wasnt below 30 degrees all night. Second hit it fired right away and idled smooth tho.

My old 7.3 you where in for 45 mins of gp cycling and cranking if it was anywhere 20 or below if it wasn't plugged in. Then it ran like an earthquake for a good 30 seconds and clouded the whole town. Haha. Plugged in for two hours it would fire right up smooth with no smoke at all.

DEEZUZ · Nov 2, 2014

I don't understand people doing several glow plug cycles. The plugs run for 120 seconds after first key on

DEEZUZ · Nov 2, 2014

Trqmnstr said:
My old 7.3 you where in for 45 mins of gp cycling and cranking if it was anywhere 20 or below if it wasn't plugged in. Then it ran like an earthquake for a good 30 seconds and clouded the whole town. Haha. Plugged in for two hours it would fire right up smooth with no smoke at all.

Then you had serious issues. Mine will sit for a Week in singles, I hit remote start, it cycles for 15 seconds and she fires right up, and I know I have at least 3 glow plugs out

taterthedog · Nov 2, 2014

I don't plug in when it is -20c and above. When it is colder I plug in when I get out of it and unplug it when I leave again. I don't have a 6.0, but I've got a 7.3 and a 6.4. If everything is healthy, it should start in -40 even after sitting in that temp for a few days. It's just easier on them if I plug in. At my cabin, there is no electricity, so if they don't start, I don't have a ride home.

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Trqmnstr · Nov 2, 2014

CTC DEEZUL said:
Then you had serious issues. Mine will sit for a Week in singles, I hit remote start, it cycles for 15 seconds and she fires right up, and I know I have at least 3 glow plugs out

It did have issues. Lol.
Letting the glow plugs do full 1.5 minute cycles did not work on that truck

mstng5point0 · Nov 2, 2014

ToMang07 said:
I plug it in overnight whenever it's really cold out, (read 25*F or lower) but I set a timer that turns on 3 hours before I leave. Works like a charm.

What kind of timer do you use? Do you need something special for the amps these pull?

ToMang07 · Nov 2, 2014

mstng5point0 said:
What kind of timer do you use? Do you need something special for the amps these pull?

I can't remember, I've had it for years, it was $20-ish at True Value.

DEEZUZ · Nov 2, 2014

Mine of course has 3 prong plug and a timer dial with buttons all around it so you can set the heater on in 30 minute intervals in a 24 hour period. I leave for work at 7 so 6 buttons get pressed down starting at 4.

ToMang07 · Nov 2, 2014

MaxdLaw · Nov 2, 2014

I appreciate all the input guys I'm just looking to plug mine in before school days in 30 to 40° weather. I'm probably going to set my timer for three hours before I wake up then go outside and turn it on and get ready for school then leave from there

TyCorr · Nov 2, 2014

I dont plug in...it gets down to - single.digits here only occasionally -15. I just see very little point to it. Maybe if I lived somewhere cold.

TyCorr · Nov 2, 2014

MaxdLaw said:
I appreciate all the input guys I'm just looking to plug mine in before school days in 30 to 40° weather. I'm probably going to set my timer for three hours before I wake up then go outside and turn it on and get ready for school then leave from there

30-40 degree weather!? You dont even need to let it run in those temps. That is start and drive temperatures.

MaxdLaw · Nov 2, 2014

TyCorr said:
30-40 degree weather!? You dont even need to let it run in those temps. That is start and drive temperatures.

Hahah true but I feel like with all my performance stuff and hopping on the highway right away itd be smart to do. I baby the heck out of my truck. Plus that's want previous owner did. It is what it is. Can't keep it warm 247.