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

 

[jas67]

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.

I have a 6.0L, but haven't installed the cord yet (truck came from Florida, the heater is there, but no cord). I can post the power draw after I get the cord installed.

The 6.0L is no lighter (it is actually heavier) than the 7.3L, so I wouldn't be surprised if it has a 1000W heater too.

 

[WH401]

I have a 6.0L, but haven't installed the cord yet (truck came from Florida, the heater is there, but no cord). I can post the power draw after I get the cord installed.

The 6.0L is no lighter (it is actually heavier) than the 7.3L, so I wouldn't be surprised if it has a 1000W heater too.

I wasn't refering to the weight, I was refering to the size in cubic inches (7.3 = 444 ci. and 6.0 = around 360 ci.), and not needing to heat a block as big as the 7.3, so the block heater could possibly be smaller. Even so, the weight difference between a 7.3 (around 900 - 920 lbs) and a 6.0 (about 960) isn't much.

 

[Big Bri]

so i set the alarm for 6am got my kids up and dressed and the truck started up no problems.
this will work till i can be with out the truck and have the dealer fix the problem.
thanks for the advice guys
Brian

 

[firemanpat2910]

Ford hard to start? check the FTE site, Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source. look for FICM repair. there have been alot of guys that fixed their truck that way. I need to check mine this weekend its taking longer and longer to start, even with my truck plugged in all night.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As for the size of the 6.0 block heater its 1125 watt. Like said before the engine weight is about the same but the coolant capacity is about 1 gallon more on the 6.0 compared to the 7.3 from what I have read.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

As for the size of the 6.0 block heater its 1125 watt. Like said before the engine weight is about the same but the coolant capacity is about 1 gallon more on the 6.0 compared to the 7.3 from what I have read.

Chris

I was not aware that the block heater on a Ford drew 1125 watts? That is a lot. Off the top of my head, I am thinking that a 14 gauge circuit is rated at 1500 watts and that 12 gauge is 1800? My choice would definately be a heavy extention cord and a quality timer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I was not aware that the block heater on a Ford drew 1125 watts? That is a lot. Off the top of my head, I am thinking that a 14 gauge circuit is rated at 1500 watts and that 12 gauge is 1800? My choice would definately be a heavy extention cord and a quality timer.

I am no electrician but it does depend on how long the run is. I know my shop and house is wired with 12/2+GND for all circuits. I have used my block heaters on my 6.0's just a few times and used a 25' extension cord that was 14 ga with no issues.

Chris