ford block heater

[Big Bri]

with it being a little colder now my f350 doesn't want to start unless i have it plugged in for about 2 to 3 hrs. i have to bring my girls to school @ 7am so that means i have to set the alarm for 4:30 to go out and plug in the truck. i do this because i've been told that i should not leave the truck plugged in all night as it will burn up the heater. . . . is this true. I would love plug it in at 10pm when i go to bed.

this problem started in late november (getting harder to start) i replaced all the glow plugs during the thanksgiving brake. it didn't help so i fig i must have other problems that are way past my diesel knowledge.

i know i have other problems, but i don't have time right now to drop off my truck (and be with out it for a day or two) and have it fixed.
Thanks for the help
brian

 

[Diamondpilot]

1000's of guys plug them in when they get home from work and let them run until morning around here. Our fuel truck which is a Ford gets plugged in about November 1'st and does not get unplugged until about April except for the 10 minutes a few times a day to fuel the airplane.

If anything go buy a basic timer to put on it. Many have done so just using a light timer that you get a Home Depot for under $10.

I think you got bad advise.

Chris

 

[Big Bri]

1000's of guys plug them in when they get home from work and let them run until morning around here. Our fuel truck which is a Ford gets plugged in about November 1'st and does not get unplugged until about April except for the 10 minutes a few times a day to fuel the airplane.

If anything go buy a basic timer to put on it. Many have done so just using a light timer that you get a Home Depot for under $10.

I think you got bad advise.

Chris

Thanks chris, great idea about the timer don't know how i didn't think about that. will put one out tonight and sleep in late tomorrow

 

[TheKid]

I use a electric water heater timer for the block heater on my truck. About $30 at the box stores. I had trouble with the small lamp type timers. They'd work OK inside, but out in the cold garage they'd quit running.

I had to add a cord to plug the timer in and and a box and outlet to plug the extension cord going to the block heater.

 

[jas67]

If anything go buy a basic timer to put on it. Many have done so just using a light timer that you get a Home Depot for under $10.

Make sure to check the Amperage/Wattage rating of any timer you buy. Many light timers are only good for about 600W, and the block heater on your truck is probably more like 800W. Buy one made for appliances. I bought two of 'em at Home Depot for about $10 ea, and they're good for 12A (1440W).

 

[Big Bri]

well i found one at ace hardware, $12 and is an out side lighting timer. It was rated for 1200 watts. and has a stake on the bottom so i can stick it in the ground right where i park. also picked up a small 14g 10' long cord for 10

 

[Diamondpilot]

well i found one at ace hardware, $12 and is an out side lighting timer. It was rated for 1200 watts. and has a stake on the bottom so i can stick it in the ground right where i park. also picked up a small 14g 10' long cord for 10

You are all set. Very simple solution to the problem.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

I use a electric water heater timer for the block heater on my truck. About $30 at the box stores. I had trouble with the small lamp type timers. They'd work OK inside, but out in the cold garage they'd quit running.

I had to add a cord to plug the timer in and and a box and outlet to plug the extension cord going to the block heater.

I agree. I also go with 12 gauge cords. Block heaters usually draw 750 watts I believe. Two hours is usually adequate so no need to give the power company any more than you need to though leaving it plugged in all night is not going to ruin the heater per sey. Any resistance type element will have some kind of finite life but most of the heater failures I ever saw were due to corrosion around the terminals where the cord screws to the element itself.

I do read claims that the heater should be unplugged prior to turning the engine over because any cold water hitting the element could ruin it. I have no experiance with that happening.

FWIW, depending on how you park your vehicle and approach it in the morning, laying the cord in an obvious position might help to not forget it is plugged in. No, I have done some stupid things but that was not one of them. I have seen it done though.

 

[WH401]

I don't know which Ford you have, but I know 7.3's, at least from 99 - 03, have 1000 watt block heaters. 6.0's might be little smaller because of the size of the engine.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't know which Ford you have, but I know 7.3's, at least from 99 - 03, have 1000 watt block heaters. 6.0's might be little smaller because of the size of the engine.

6.0 has a 1150 watt block heater.

Chris