Block heaters for Diesels

[Rich McVey]

I recently upgraded from a Dodge Dakota to an F350 Super Duty with a turbo diesel.

Do any of you other diesel owners use the block heater? What temps do you use it at?

[Teal101]

I have a 98 Dodge Cummins. I use mine as soon as it starts to get hard to start in the morning. Generally around 35* overnight temps.

[Rich McVey]

Well, Ive been doing some reading on this since I posted the question. Originally I recieved some questionable info on why and when to use the heater.

If there wasnt much reason to use it then that would be fine with me. I was mortally embarased the other day when I got down to the truck after work... and noticed that someone had draped the extension cord across the hood and bug deflector of my truck. Yes, I drove off and forgot to unplug the cord. 8 miles later and the cord was still there. No damage to the truck or the outlet at home.

I guess I need a "Remove Before Flight" tag to put on the steering wheel when I plug the truck in next time.

[Teal101]

My truck gets hard to start when it gets cold. It usually fires up after 1 crank, when it takes more than that its time for the heater imo. The hard start is usually followed by a rough idle and a cloud of white smoke. Plugging it in prevents this.

Gotta remember to unplug that bugger!

[mav186]

Hi Rich,
I have a F250 but it stays in the garage, but I think Teal's advice (plugging and unplugging) is a good guideline!! Thanks for sharing

[Bodofish]

I spent a number of winters in an area that was 20 below every night. Block heaters mandatory. If I had one on my car now, and parked it outside I would leave it plugged in when not running. The biggest thing is warm up time and the fuel it saves, not mention the polution. I'm sure the $4+ per is a big consideration. Get one and plug it in, there's a reason most FD's leave them plugged in all the time.

[edge540]

I have a dodge/cummins and I leave it plugged in from now until it warms up in the spring. It always starts easy but its easier on everything when there plugged in. You can also add battery tenders to the mix and plug it all in to a splitter behind the grill.

I noticed that it runs smother with less smoke in the garage and gets better millage. Also real nice when the heater is kicking hot air as I pull out of the driveway.


Oh yea on the unplugging it thing.... I ALWAYS loop the cord over the drivers mirror so I don't forget