How Cold before you plug in?

[tbeckett]

This is my first post on the forum. I recently purchased a 2000 F250 w. 7.3 diesel. What temperature to you use as the threshold to use the block heater? Also how long does it take to warm up the oil / Engine? Is this a heater that heats the oil or the water? What are the benefits of plugging the heater in etc.

I know I sound like Dennis the Menace asking Mr. Wilson questions, but curious minds want to know.

Thanks in advance

Tim

 

[clutch]

welcome, let me see if I can assist you... so I have an older 7.3, this will be my 1st winter with it, I plug 'er in when the temps gonna be below freezing, I don't drive her everyday so, only when I know I will be using it the next day. I plug 'er in before bed, because that big cast iron block takes a while to warm up, I also put a winter grill cover from Cabela's on it, to help keep the heat in. The coolant definately gets warm, oil, I would say not so much, since it's probably at the bottom of the pan. hope this helps, best a luck.
oh, as far as benefits, well, starting a cold engine is always bad, IMHO, and instead of idling her, I let me extension cord do the some the work, saving wear and tear, and fuel.

 

[SuperCab]

From what I've seen around here, Clutch is right on... When temps dip below 32F most oil burners are plugging in.

 

[tbeckett]

Thanks for teh guidance. That gives me a threshold. I own a Cessna 210 and my threshold for plugging in the engine heater is 40 degrees the night before I fly. One of my mentors in the Pilot world did some research years ago on cranking a cold soaked plane engine and the amount of wear was huge when compared to a warmed engine. I did not know if this engine would experience the same thing. Of course in the aviation environment regularly flown engines last a whole longer than infrequently flown engines, and I would assume that the same is true with the Diesels.

I can tell i am gonna like the truck, and also the forum! Thanks for your input.

Tim

 

[clutch]

yah, old saying I heard: the worst thing you can do to a vehicle is drive it, the second worst is not drive it.

 

[Austin]

The ford guidelines for my idi are 0 degrees f and only plug in 4 or so hours before use...

 

[DNFXDLI]

I plug in below 40F for 4 hours, if it gets below 20F, it stays plugged in all night.

 

[clutch]

The ford guidelines for my idi are 0 degrees f and only plug in 4 or so hours before use...

whoops, did you get that info from the diesel supplement with the owners manual? I have original manual, not the supplement, was gonna order a copy, might be a smart $20.

 

[BuzzGun79]

I agree with "The Token Canadian" especialy in colder climates anything below 20 leave it pluged in, i have towed many diesels in my service station days due to below 20 degrees cause they wouldnt start.sit them in the warm garage overnite & bingo they fire right up. i dont care what the manual says..they want to sell vehicles.they also say change your oil at 7,000 miles to aaaaacckkkkkkkkkk.go ahead see ya in 50k cause your motor is all sludged up.trust me.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Yep..the small cost of the electricity compared to the poor 'ol truck being cold started is a no brainer.

 

[hanklin]

I plug in around 40 or below. I like clear windshields and a warm truck.