I run my block heater for 4 hrs. Starts no problem to -40°F. The colder it gets, the more #1 in the tank.

 

so is are these trucks sitting outside or in a garage? just wondering since mine will be outside unless I find a garage to put er in

 

Outside.

 

okay so it should start fine and just drag the battery in on really cold nights and plug it in for a good 5 hours on the extremely cold nights and it should be all good.

 

another idea, i believe viper makes an alarm/ keyless start that alows you to program times to automatically start your car and shut off

 

Don't forget a healthy dose of anti-gel in the fuel to keep it liquid.

I use white-bottle Power-Service; others use HOWES Diesel Treat, but it is about three-times the price of Power-Service in my area.

 

ya whats the best anti gel out there from personal experience?

 

#1 heating oil.

 

okay good to know and what about the like brand name ones

 

I just starting using some, amsoil Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver.

 

okay I know amsoil is good so I may try that

 

thanks once again for all the answers and it was close to minus 40 c on monday and tuesday night and I plugged er in for about 3 or more hours and she fired up no smoke at all so just pluggin er in works fine.

 

Also put some good 5-30 synthetic oil in it, much better starting. (i use amsoil)

I fired mine up lastnight (-24C), i had it plugged in but did not realise the breaker had flipped. Truck fired up just like normal, vibrated a fair bit until it warmed up but turned over just fine.

 

ya when i plugged mine in for about 5 hours it fired up and idled beautifully

 

I have not had the grid heater in mine for three years now.
If temps are at 20*F or more truck will start right up.

If it's around 10-20*F it will turn over a few times, start then run rough for a few seconds.

Below 10*F it needs the grid heater or plugged in if it has sat overnight.

I just tried some Howes for the 1st time and mileage went down.
My brother used some in his 2003 and said he lost 2 mpg. He will never use it again.

He now swears by the white bottle Power Service and the mileage increased over straight #2.

No anti-gel properties but, when I run the silver/grey bottle Power Service, mileage goes up about 1-1.5 mpg , truck runs smoother and sounds quieter.