When to use plug in Engine block warmer

Lugger007 · Oct 3, 2013

I had the engine block warmer and plug installed today. I've heard the new 6.7 are pretty good in the cold.
But At what temps are you guys usually plugging them in?
Also how long, over night or do you have it set on a plug in timer?
Thanks in advance

Mpoage · Oct 3, 2013

Well my old truck sat for about 24 hours in temps as low as -20 and lets just say it should have been plugged in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOLj8T5eHHc

Mpoage · Oct 3, 2013

My dads truck didn't set as long as mine did and it had about half the miles as mine at the time and it didn't have a hard time at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmv0e8QDyDo&feature=c4-overview&list=UUX7W4gjanD_IqOubpwujCAQ

Randy_270 · Oct 3, 2013

My truck has started in -50C(-58F) after sitting all night unplugged, started easier than my girlfriends car that was plugged in and started easier than my work Suburban did at -35C(-31F)

Elliott · Oct 4, 2013

When it gets cold out, just plug it in for 2-4 hours, I have a timer on my cord. Truck cranks over and you get heat in the cab a little quicker. I have forgotten a few times and the truck has started no problem ( -38C). Just piece of mind I guess, I like to treat my truck well, so that's why I am willing to have a slightly higher power bill in the cold months. Currently driving a 12 with 6.7.

CamTom12 · Oct 4, 2013

Plug it in below 10*. It makes starting a lot gentler on the engine. Also, you only need it plugged in long enough to radiate the heat through the block. I'd give it 2 hours until it's below 0*, then I'd go for four hours. Get a timer, it'll save your electric bill.

Lugger007 · Oct 4, 2013

Thank for the videos. That's crazy hearing a diesel start that cold.
I didn't want to damage the motor hence why I was asking.
In ct it gets fairly cold usually 20's at night but at my house in vt it can be much colder up north.

Is my electric bill going to spike that much? Didn't realize it drew that much power

Lugger007 · Oct 4, 2013

Is there anyway of knowing that the block warmer is actually on and functioning? Like a light in dash.

Mpoage · Oct 4, 2013

Lugger007 said:
Is there anyway of knowing that the block warmer is actually on and functioning? Like a light in dash.

No there's not a way to tell if it is on.

alwil · Oct 4, 2013

Lugger007 said:
Is there anyway of knowing that the block warmer is actually on and functioning? Like a light in dash.

Sometimes you can hear them when you first plug them in, it's kind of a sizzling sound.
It has to be pretty quiet to hear it though.

I have not tried to hear my 6.7 block heater but I know I could hear the one in my 6.0.

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CamTom12 · Oct 4, 2013

The block heater is around 900 watts. It'll draw some juice. A good way to tell if it's working is if your engine block is warm to the touch. Or if your wait to start isn't on very long. Or if your hood is clear of snow after a light dusting and being plugged in.

135Hoster · Oct 4, 2013

The *ONLY* time I've ever *HAD* to plug mine in was when it hit -45C. The engine refused to crank. I plugged it in for an hour and it started.

Around -30C it takes a fair while to warm up.

A block heater isn't going to hurt anything, and I would suggest using it below freezing. You can have a silly amount of wear on your engine when the oil has the consistency of molasses.

Also you'll know it's working if you check your MFD when the truck starts, and the engine oil/coolant temps are above ambient.

morepower02 · Oct 5, 2013

I seldom use one and never seem to have an issue starting in Minnesota. To tell that it is working a few seconds after you plug in you will here a percolating sound for a couple seconds.

CamTom12 · Oct 5, 2013

Having problems starting vs. a healthy start are two different things.

I've cranked mine without preheat at -30*F, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Kind of one of those emergency things.

Tonka350 · Oct 6, 2013

there is definitely an issue with mine lmao even with new plugs and gpr it doesn't want to start in anything under 40*.....I have been confused for over two years with this issue now...never figured it out.

Chad

forcefed6.4ford · Oct 7, 2013

As soon as there is frost on my windshield, I plug it in.

wyomingtrucker · Oct 7, 2013

I don't use one. I keep it in the shop.

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Jesse_01 · Oct 7, 2013

Ford 6.7 manual says -23*C(-9*F)

Jesse_01 · Oct 7, 2013

Also the Block warmer is standard on every engine. The cord is an optional accessory. Hopefully they only charged you for the cord install which just plugs in.