Not familure with duramax but my book says to turn it on at least 3 hours before you start the vehichal. It's not needed if the temps are above 45f. So what I do is in the winter I plug it in soon as I get home from work and unplug it before I start it in the morning worked good all winter for me.-

quote:

Originally posted by JD 500:
Can anyone give me info on Block heater use ?
At what temps is it needed ? (Newer Duramax)

That one could sorta be an issue as I live in a condo w/ no outlet near where I park.

Can you plug the heater in before starting (ie w/ generator) or does it need to be on all night ?

Thanks for the help,

I have an 04.5 Duramax, I work the night shift and have no place to plug my truck in. I have had no problems starting my truck at below zero temps, just let it warm up a little longer. My manual says 20 below is where you really need the block heater. Also, just a couple hours is all you need, not all night. I have never even looked for the cord for my block heater, it is still all wrapped up from the dealer.

quote:

I have an 04.5 Duramax, I work the night shift and have no place to plug my truck in. I have had no problems starting my truck at below zero temps, just let it warm up a little longer. My manual says 20 below is where you really need the block heater. Also, just a couple hours is all you need, not all night.

Ususally mine's in the garage, and I'd usually plug it in since an outlet was handy at home last winter, but didn't have any problems when it set outside all day either. Let it warm up for a few minutes before driving when its really cold out, thats a lot of cold sludgeoil to get moving in a cold motor.

For what its worth in my opinion get a diesel if you need it for towing capacity, otherwise stay with gas. For the mpg difference the payback is too long considering the increased purchase price, maintainence and upkeep. 10 qt oil changes, $40 fuel filters, dual batteries to replace, $.50/gal difference in fuel price, etc.

Randy nailed it. A diesel can really only justify itself if you tow a lot; and tow heavy at that...unless of course, you just want one

I agree with Randy and ScottCO... Several years back, I figured that you would need to drive atleast 65,000 miles before you got even with a gasser (extra cost for diesel) just starting. At 65,000 the diesel would be cheaper to operate with diesel fuel cost being cheaper than gas. Now since the diesel cost more, probably never be cheaper except 200,000 + miles when no overhaul needed on diesel and gas is done.... The obvious reason to buy the diesel is for pulling an RV. I am fortunate that my F-550 is not my daily driver. I hate filling up for trips with the Toy Hauler now, I would really hate to fill up for my daily driver.....

You guys are awsome. THANK YOU !!!!
Really appreciate being able to get unbiased help and real experience.

By my calculations:

My gasser = 11 mpg
Diesel I calc 17 mpg (Unloaded)

at 4.10 for mid grade gas, and 4.70 for diesel, at 12,000 miles per year, Diesel saves $1,161.96 and at 15,000 per year diesel saves $1,451.13 per year.

And as ScottCo pointed out , I want one

I made myself a simple Excel sheet for comparisons. Diesels are getting more expensive for sure. I would only buy if you haul heavy a lot or just want the smell and can afford it. Maintenance is getting higher. Oil is up to 12-14 bucks a gallon which my F250 takes 4gal. It used to be 8 bucks a gallon. My oil changes are up to 70 bucks in parts. It needs it every 7000 miles by the Blackstone reports. Fuel filters are 60 bucks a set and every 15K.
Ford also states the DPFE canister should be replaced @ 100K at a cost of 2500 bucks. The new diesels do not make 300K like they used to... Mine is at 83K and I am afraid to own it past 100K.
Annual registration is double my half ton costs. I average 13-14 mpg which is the same or less than the GMC half ton I would be driving. The new Z71 half tons with 5.3 and AFM are doing 15-17 regularly.

For the block heater using a good oil will help at low temps. I use Shell Rotella synthetic 5-40. The new common rail fuel system trucks do well in cold temps.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TX Camo,

I was worried about the need to plug my CTD in but figured I'd try without doing it the first of the year. Temperatures got as low as zero quite a few times and it started just fine. Even the times I let it set without starting for a couple of days. The manual says you need to plug it in to 110 VAC if the temperature drops below zero. It also says if the temperature is below -20 to use a lighter weight oil as well. I have also heard it only needs to be plugged in for about 3 hours prior to starting.

quote:

Originally posted by JD 500:
Can anyone give me info on Block heater use ?
At what temps is it needed ? (Newer Duramax)
Thanks for the help,

I have an '07 Classic, built just before the mandated particulate filters, etc. It has never been plugged in, coldest morning was -13 as I recall when we were leaving for Daytona w/ an 8.5 x 20 trailer and 5 bikes. The truck started up great but couldn't get out of it's own way due to fuel gelling, until a friend/mechanic gave it a good dose of Diesel Heat (I had been following the 'recomended dosage', he said "Just look the other way while I do this"). The truck ran great from then on. Two trips to Daytona from NH have averaged 12 mpg with about that same load, a trip to the Keys and back (4,000+ miles) with a kayak on the roof and a DR 650 on the rear bumper averaged 18 mpg, the same trip with a clean roof but a trailer and 16'(heavy for size) boat yielded 16.5 mpg. What can kill my milage is short/cold trips, once run far enough to show a reading on the tranny temp gauge it does pretty well.

Bruce

Great to hear!!! Thanks guys.
Going to check out the Duramax Monday. Found one I may really like, options/color-wise at what seems like a really good price, and a good way out of my 01 1500HD.

Make sure you get the crew cab so along with pulling all of our quads with ease, we can all ride comfortably too!

Wouldn't get anything but. You would be amazed at how much you can fit inside a crew cab.
Went to get all the belongings out of my truck, you know, the "emergency stuff", and the stuff that accumulates over time. Took me 2 hours .

I have the new body style duramax as well, 11,000 miles on it and makes alot of power. Getting 18 highway empty, about 15 or so give or take with an 18' car hauler with 5 ATV's. Interior is the most quiet ive found. Not one hiccup with the engine or tranny and I drive it hard. Does go into regen mode every other tank of fuel or so, mileage drops for a bit then goes back up. The fuel filters do NOT like any mixture of Bio-diesel though, its warranty will allow B5.

Plugging in the block heater may help you get heating inside the cap more quickly though... My 05 does not heat up quickly in the winter. Sometimes I use the block heater just to get a jump on cab heat.

I have yet to even find the plug in for my 2006 D-Max LBZ (I know it's in there someplace). I have started it at -11deg while visiting in South Dakota. Rattled a little more for a minute or two, but it started right up. Now that the temp is a little cooler (53 this morning) the glow plug lite was on for almost 2 seconds.