redraider2011

will it hurt the truck to leave it plugged in all night?

Jeff in TD

Not at all. I generally run mine on a timer on the days I can predict when I will next need the truck, but that's mainly to avoid wasting power.

snoyes

Won't hurt the truck, if your paying for the energy, may hit the wallet. About 675-750 Watts for the Block heaters. How cold has it been getting in Lubbock? Really don't need to plug in unless it goes below freezing.

Onelongshot

That is something I did not know. When I put my ampprobe on the block heater and my wattmeter I am reading 10.39 amps and about 1250 watts when the block heater is in use. My cord is even stamped for this wattage. I wonder if the block heaters are different for the 6.7 motors. I know mine is drawing this and the cord is stamped for this.

AkTallPaul

Once I know we have a cold spell coming in I leave mine plugged in 24 hrs a day at 40 below you better have it plugged in if you or someone has an emergency you out of luck otherwise.
onelongshot....unless they changed them mine is 750 watts, can't imagine needing anything bigger, at 40 below my heater plugged in all night will keep my block at 50 above. Batts are at 45 above too.

Ace

I don't plug in until it's heading for single digits. Running a 5w/40 oil is the best approach to cold starting these things, IMHO. The block heater always helps starting when it really gets down there, but 5w/40 cranks alot easier anyway, and the first few minutes running after a cold start is when the engine really needs oil flow to reduce wear.

snoyes

I'd second Ace on the oil, and add that synthetic is even better. I don't know on the 6.7s, it could be 1250 watts. For my old powerstroke it was right at 1000 Watts. Just suffice to say if your plugging in 24/7 you'll see an increase in the electric bill. My first winter in Alaska the 24/7 plug in ended after seeing my first month's electric bill. I went and bought a timer, but the temps down in Anchorage are "warm" compared to the interior. Delta Junction and -40, I'd have it plugged in, running, or in a heated garage 24/7.

gsbrockman

Kinda odd that the 6.7L's would have a higher wattage block heater when the cooling system capacity is around 6+ quarts less than the 5.9L's.

Greg

redraider2011

it dives below freezing on a nightly basis here in Lubbock

Onelongshot

I know I wonder what the deal is. Now I am questioning weather or not mine is okay. I know my readings are right been a journeyman electrician for over 20 years. 10.39 amps X 120 volts=1246.8 watts. I just wonder what the 6.7 is suppose to be.

Spooler

That's not really cold enough. If it was in the teens I would plug it in, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

AkTallPaul

Yea if it's only dropping to freezing, the internal temps will be high enough to not need plugging in, especially if you drove it that day.

xtoyz17

I know it's not ideal, but I just started my truck this A.M. Was 15* out, had sat for 8 hours, and fired without ANY issue. Instantly started idling smooth within a half crank. Back on topic though, I've also plugged my truck in for days at a time. Absolutely will not hurt a thing, other than your wallet.

Shawn

snoyes

Yep, I find the newer diesels have an easier time starting cold than the old diesels. 20 degrees and below you should have the truck plugged in preferable 3 hours prior to starting....

AH64ID

I plug in every night its below about 35-40*, for 90 minutes.. When I get in the truck the coolant is 80-90* and I can drive right away, and heat comes up sooner.. if I am not plugged in I like to wait for 60* coolant, and it still takes much longer for the heat to come up.... 90 minutes of electricity is cheaper than 3 minutes of idling.