Block heaters are a must-have if you live in a country of cooler weather. The 6.7 Powerstroke is equipped with a built-in block heater. Knowing when to use the block heater on 6.7 Powerstroke engines will ensure the engine runs smoothly at low temperatures. When the temperature drops below -10°F, you should plug in your block heater.
There is a time limit to the maximum and minimum time for using a block heater in the 6.7 Powerstroke. It’s not recommended to use the block heater for more than 4 hours, nor is it suggested that you use it for less than 2 hours.
The time limit for using a block heater is the same in all the Powerstroke engines. When compared to the 7.3 Powerstroke, the block heater plugging-in time is as follows
| Engine | Time to keep the block heater plugged in |
|---|---|
| 6.7 Powerstroke | Between 2-4 hours |
| 7.3 Powerstroke | 3 hours on average |
Let’s take a detailed look at various aspects of the block heater and the time it needs to be plugged in.
When Should A 6.7 Powerstroke Block Heater Be Plugged In?
The engine works best when it is properly warmed up. But this becomes a challenge in colder countries as the temperature can plummet way below the freezing point. As a result, they take a lot of time to start up.
To avoid this from happening, block heaters are used. The ideal time to use a block heater of a 6.7 Powerstroke is when the temperature reaches -10°F or -23°C.
Using a block heater on a 6.7 Powerstroke is quite easy. Because among all the Powerstroke engines, the 6.7 was the one that had a block heater built in it. So, you don’t have to worry about going out and buying one.
Why Should You Use A Block Heater On The 6.7 Powerstroke?
The issue with diesel engines is that in colder temperatures, the engine oil starts to get thicker as the temperature drops. As a result, the flow of the oil is stunted. This results in a lack of lubrication between the engine parts.
When engine parts don’t get enough lubrication, they start to rub against one another. This causes them to be severely damaged. But when block heaters are used, the engine oil stays warmed up.
As a result, the oil doesn’t clog up and can flow within the engine without any hiccups. So, the engine is kept intact even when the temperature is low.
Another reason for using block heaters on the 6.7 Powerstroke is to speed up the starting time of the engine. When the temperatures are well below the freezing point, the engine also becomes very cold. And a cold engine takes a lot of time to start.
The warmer the engine is, the faster it will start. So, to make sure you don’t spend an eternity starting up the engine, use a block heater. It will ensure your 6.7 Powerstroke is always ready to go even when the temperature suggests otherwise.
How Long Should You Use A Block Heater On The 6.7 Powerstroke?
There isn’t any fixed amount of time for using a block heater on a 6.7 Powerstroke. But it doesn’t mean you are on your own when it comes to the timing of using a block heater on your diesel engine.
Experts have suggested that a block heater should be used for at least a couple of hours and at most 4 hours. There are a couple of reasons behind this.
Let’s start with the upper limit. In theory, you can keep your block heater plugged in for as long as you want to, as it will not damage your engine. But it is not recommended. Because using the block heater requires electricity.
So, the more you use a block heater, the more electricity you spend. Now, you need to use a block heater, that’s undisputed. But in doing so, you don’t want to waste electricity.
Now let’s talk about the lower limit. You can’t keep your engine cold just because you will risk wasting electricity. You need to strike a balance between these. The lowest time you need to keep the block heater on for the engine to perform at its best is two hours.
Interestingly, the upper and lower limit stands true for almost every kind of engine. For example, the average time to keep the block heater plugged in for a 7.3 Powerstroke is 3 hours. This falls in between the aforementioned 2 to 4-hour time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. At What Temperature Should A Diesel Truck Be Plugged In?
The ideal temperature for plugging in the block heater for a diesel truck is 5 degrees Fahrenheit or below. As the temperature drops, the oil of the diesel engines starts to clog up. So, it’s better to plug in the block heater as soon as possible.
2. Can You Leave Your Diesel Block Heater Plugged In Overnight?
It is theoretically possible to leave a diesel block heater overnight since it doesn’t damage the engine in any way. But the engine doesn’t need to be warmed up for the entire night to start up. Keeping the block heater for four hours maximum is more than enough.
3. Does The Block Heater Harm The Battery?
There is a common misconception that plugging the block heater in damages the car battery. The reality is quite the opposite because block heaters protect the battery. The battery is damaged due to unfavorable weather conditions, which the block heaters prevent.
Here you can learn more about how to block heaters and protect the car battery.
Final Words
Knowing when to use the block heater on 6.7 Powerstroke makes all the difference as far as its starting time is concerned. When the temperature drops below 23°C, then it’s time to plug in the block heater. Doing so will not only shorten the start-up time of the engine but also will protect the engine parts by providing lubrication.
It’s better to keep the block heater plugged in for at least two hours but not more than 4 hours. Using the block heater any longer than that will result in a waste of electricity.
