so i was wondering about a block heater. ik mainly diesels have them to help reduce fuel gelling in the winter. but, ive noticed alot of the new gassers are starting to get them. ik the rangers have them optional and my uncles 2007 GMC sierra came w/ one. so i was just curious to know if they have them for f150s and what benefits they provide. do they keep the engine block preheated so that it doesnt stress the engine as much or use as much fuel when its cold?

 

I'm not sure if they have them from the factory, but there are many aftermarket ones out there that can be added to the motor. The block heaters can really help with start up in the winter, and reduce warm up times to reduce stress on the motor.

 

Block heaters are so that us who living in "extreme northern climates" aka Alaska/Canada/Minnesota/Dakotas/a few others, can start our vehicles when temperatures go below 0. You usually don't need it until around -20 but it keeps the oil warm in the bottom of the oil pan. Also there's sometimes a battery warmer or it can warm the engine block(I cant remember if its through the radiator or a seperate freeze plugs system).

You probably don't need one, unless you'd like to always run an extension cord to your driveway.

If your parking lots are like this then a block heater is a smart addition.

 

ive got a carport and theres a plugin 5 ft away so thats no problem. i just didnt know if they were worth it or not. bc i do notice a drop in MPG in the winter on all the vehicles ive owned. i might get 16-17 in the spring/summer and 14-15 in the late fall/winter

 

A block heater won't help your mileage any .
As Aaron stated they are for those of us who live where it gets -20 or more .It makes for easier starts.
There are different types
A dipstick heater to warm the oil (not recommended)
A battery blanket which keeps the battery from freezing
A heater that is installed in the lower radiator hose
A tank type heater that usually fits in the heater hose
And the most effective , a block heater that replaces a core (freeze) plug.

When all else fails you can do what the old timers did.
Get the bottom of a 55 gal drum cut about 4 inches deep and pour a couple gallons of used motor oil in it with a cup full of gas on top , set it on fire and shove it under the truck.(seen it done) Have fire extinguishers handy.

 

A heater that goes into the freeze plug would be the way to go.
However I think it is totally un-necessary around here and won't help your mileage. You may use slightly less fuel because it won't take as long to warm up, but still not needed and the cost of it will offset any fuel you might have saved.

Having said that, it isn't going to hurt anything keeping it warm.
My boss' helicopter is stored in his barn (no heat/air) in Springfield. It gets chilly in there in the winter. Since the helicopter uses heavy oil (5w50 or straight 50w) it is very difficult to start when it has been sitting at 15 degrees all night. I had a heating "pad" glued to the bottom of the pan that is thermostatically controlled and keep it plugged in all winter. It's enough to keep the oil warm and even the engine bay. It should also help moisture from building up in there. Plus it fires right up.

 

i see. so theres no point in gettin it here in ky? how much do they run?

 

I don't know how much they run, but they were an available option from the factory. I checked into it when I lived in South Dakota.

 

Probably only $50-100 for the block heater? Just a guess. I'm not sure how easy/hard the install is.

 

I have no idea why you would ever need one in Kentucky, complete waste. Any newer vehicle should start in -20* if properly maintained. Ford sells the block heaters from the factory in colder climate conditions. Oh yeah and like the others said you wont save fuel mileage.

 

the reason you get worse mileage in the winter is because of "winter gas"... slgithly different to handle colder temps.



...i think

 

i was told that too about the gas but didnt really know how true it was.

 

The gas is different, but so is the weather and driving conditions.