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Old 12-10-2015, 02:35 PM   #21
Cyncwby
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If you look at the Ford truck option list you'll see that some northen states automatically come with the block heater. If you're not in one of those states then it's $75 for it. Well worth the price I might add. I'm in So. Utah and my 7.3 has it, when it's really cold out I plug it in the night before and she fires right up.....and the heater works a lot quicker.
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Old 12-10-2015, 03:32 PM   #22
Larry1013
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Originally Posted by NWTTrailer View Post
Our 2015 F350 did not come with the block heater installed. I've been told that the 6.7L will start with no issues down to 0 degrees F. We had a few days of 24 degree weather last month here in western Washington. The truck started fine but it did take awhile for the heater to pump out hot air. I've been considering buying the block heater and cord just for faster defrost when when it gets chilly.
If you buy another Ford with the diesel engine, I would suggest you make sure it has the rapid heat option. It warms the cabin to a comfortable, not hot, interior when you start the truck. It is basically and electric heater in the heater box. Also, the heated front seats are nice also.
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Old 12-10-2015, 05:56 PM   #23
hankaye
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Howdy All;

My '04 F-250 was bought used in the Salt lake City area of Ut.
Had it when I got it. Only needs about 3 hours and everything
works great. Even when it was deep into the -0's. When you
watch your electric usage you find this stuff out.

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Old 12-10-2015, 05:57 PM   #24
JRTJH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry1013 View Post
If you buy another Ford with the diesel engine, I would suggest you make sure it has the rapid heat option. It warms the cabin to a comfortable, not hot, interior when you start the truck. It is basically and electric heater in the heater box. Also, the heated front seats are nice also.
What Larry1013 said x2. The block heater is standard in Michigan (if you live were it isn't standard, be sure to option it on your new truck) and the rapid heat system is the best $250 option Ford installs on the SuperDuty. Warm (not hot) air immediately and the defrosters are working by the time we get to the end of the driveway (50 feet)...

I have the heated and cooled seats, for us, that option is more a way to wake up the DW when she "nods off" more than a way to stay comfortable LOL
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:32 AM   #25
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This will be my first winter with a 6.7. But these new fuel injection systems are much improved and different from the older trucks. A block heater may not even be necessary for most people. My 6.4 started with zero effort in temperatures down to minus 15 for the last two winters. But I agree with the rapid heat option and or heated seats, diesels do take a while to produce any cab heat in those temperatures.

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Old 12-11-2015, 05:41 PM   #26
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larry337, Howdy;

Block Heaters are for warming the oil, the block also gets the benefit along
with the cooling system. With warmer oil the engine turns over easier thus
saving the starter and helps keep the batteries from running down from
trying to make it all move when its cold and the viscosity thickens.
Quicker warn-ups are an added benefit as well.
Yes we have thinner oils then when our granddads were starting engines
"Back in the Day"... mechanically, engines are better made (hopefully), and
all of that stuff. Cold is cold, I rather start an engine with warm oil in the
journals and save the wear and tear that accumulates over time.

hankaye
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:04 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hankaye View Post
larry337, Howdy;

Block Heaters are for warming the oil, the block also gets the benefit along
with the cooling system. With warmer oil the engine turns over easier thus
saving the starter and helps keep the batteries from running down from
trying to make it all move when its cold and the viscosity thickens.
Quicker warn-ups are an added benefit as well.
Yes we have thinner oils then when our granddads were starting engines
"Back in the Day"... mechanically, engines are better made (hopefully), and
all of that stuff. Cold is cold, I rather start an engine with warm oil in the
journals and save the wear and tear that accumulates over time.

hankaye


You may get some heat to the oil with a block heater, but not the purpose, in the early days made for easier starts, and less engine noise!
With early diesels the morning clatter could be a neighbor issue.
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:09 PM   #28
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I can't argue with any of that. Makes sense to me. I'm certainly no mechanic. I'm a driver for a major trucking company with 1000's of tractors across the country. The older trucks we plug in or keep running. The newer trucks will start even after sitting all weekend, if the fuel doesn't gel. Like I said my own 6.4 powerstroke always started right up. Sp that's my experience. Out of curiosity though, what would be the difference in starting a diesel without a block heater vs a gasser without a block heater? Agreed that warmer oil is better but most gassers don't have them so what's the difference? I mean if it starts, it starts.

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Old 12-11-2015, 10:07 PM   #29
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Diesel engines rely on heat in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel, gas engines use a spark. That's the simplest explanation I can think of at the moment.
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Old 12-12-2015, 02:06 AM   #30
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Diesel engines rely on heat in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel, gas engines use a spark. That's the simplest explanation I can think of at the moment.
Guess I should rephrase, Hawkeye was saying he'd rather start the diesel motor with warm oil, even if the truck were capable of starting on its own without the aid of a block heater. Yet we start gas motors all the time without a block heater. So if my diesel truck doesn't have one, but starts anyway, what's the difference? My personal truck is a low mileage vehicle, but our semis st work go a million plus, with no block heater.

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Old 12-12-2015, 03:45 AM   #31
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IMHO

Pro:

Quicker, quieter starts. Cab heat comes up quicker. Smoother shifts. Ready to roll sooner.

Cons:

Electric bill.
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Old 12-12-2015, 07:42 AM   #32
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Howdy All;

Best non-surmized answer I could find;
https://www.kaltire.com/the-benefits...-block-heater/

hankaye
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Old 12-12-2015, 03:27 PM   #33
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Before I retired, I had a company car, so the van only got used on weekends so I had one of these http://www.amazon.com/Aube-Honeywell.../dp/B001QFZ3Z0 and it worked well to save some electricity. Now that I am retired, I drive the truck almost every day, and by the time it gets really cold, I have it parked under a palm tree ......
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