I'm originally from TX and cold start is never really a problem there. I'm in the Coast Guard and just got stationed in Cape Cod so I'm looking for a few tips about maintenance for cold weather other than the obvious plugging in the block heater at night.
First year is going to be a learning curve. I'd suggest some 5w40 synthetic oil of your choice. Get a timer for the block heater so it kicks on a few hours before you get up. Fuel additives might help but your motor will respond to the best one for the area.
Oil: Mobil 1, Valvoline Extreme Blue, Rot T6, Delo 400 LE have all worked great for me.
Don't use power service kleen thought it said on the bottle will not prevent gelling. I use power service (the white bottle). I was using it in all the fleet trucks before i got my 6.0 and they never had a problem.
Timer for the block heater? Is there a way to do this without havin it plugged up?? If so I would love to know cuz I leave mine sitting for a while cuz I work 12 hr shift I woul love to be able to heat the block up a few hrs before I get off
The glowplugs, module, and relays were all replaced a couple weeks ago. For a timer I'm assuming he meant like the timers used for Christmas lights cutting on and off at certain times.
I leave mine plugged in all night long just in case of any calls. I did the same thing with my 7.3. Only thing I have an issue with is replacing power cords all the time!
I have a great mechanic about an hr and 15 mins from Boston. Hes a younger guy but really knows his way around the Fords. Has his own shop in CT. Just let me know and I will put you guys in touch.
Has anyone ever thought of trying or have tried to hook a 2500w power converted to there truck and put a timer on it and run cord to heater block... just an idea I had for those remote location cold starts... I'm kinda against plugging in my truck anyways, it's kinda turns them into a crackhead! I bought my truck used and the owner before me plugged it in all the time from what I was told, took me a while but i finally got it to start without the heater, dealer told me it wasn't possible. Crazy that for even the mild winters we have in GA. it didn't want to start. Glad those days are over.... REV-x and a cetane boost is a must!!!!
I'm kinda against plugging in my truck anyways, it's kinda turns them into a crackhead! I bought my truck used and the owner before me plugged it in all the time from what I was told, took me a while but i finally got it to start without the heater, dealer told me it wasn't possible. Crazy that for even the mild winters we have in GA. it didn't want to start. Glad those days are over.... REV-x and a cetane boost is a must!!!!
I make an effort to plug in when the forecast is for -15C (0F for you that have a hard time converting ) or colder. Otherwise I let it idle a bit longer before driving off.
We have winter fuel in the pumps throughout the winter months, so I only use Power Services Grey year round.
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