Block Heater vs oil pan heater....or neither

I live in North Western Wyoming, and the winters here get pretty harsh. Temps like -20 are not uncommon, but around 0 degrees seems to be the norm in the morning...and I have to start up around 5am. Thinking of getting the stock plug in block heater that is easily installed in the V6, and found one locally for 45 bucks.

Is this a waste of money in these temps? Is heating the coolant with this block heater better than a standard oil pan heater which heats the oil? Just looking to give the truck a break this winter, and I want my engine to last a long time.

Any info or experience with these heaters is appreciated!!!!

 

I just installed one of these block heaters in mine yesterday. Haven't really noticed anything different yet.

 

Take it from Alaskans a block heater Is awesome

 

I live in the CO mountains and I am also thinking of adding a block heater...

 

Block heaters work well... but make sure you have the plug on a timer so you dont pay a ton in electricity! i use mine every day in the winter up here in thunder bay ontario canada -40 and up to -60 degrees celcius with wind chill (our vehicles come standard with them)

 

I bought my truck in Calgary, and it came with a block heater already installed. Now living in Ontario (winters can get to -25 easily) I use the block heater every cold night, and it makes a noticeable difference. I'd recommend it in your cold climate.

 

negotiated one in on my sale. without question, a block heater is the way to go.

 

Thanks for the replies, I am definately getting it next time I go to town! Never really thought about how oil pan heaters heat up the oil ok, then when cycled through a bone cold engine it would most likely return pretty cold....plus the plug in block heater looks so easy and effective! Will also be nice to have a semi warm pickup quicker on those cold mornings.
Thanks

 

I loved the block heater on my F250 6.9. I would get in and the truck would start right up and the heater blew nice warm air.

 

Thread hijack but do you guys have front grill covers. I want my truck to heat up faster so I was thinking about adding cover on the grill to slow down air.
Not so much hijack anymore but is there are different heaters (wattage wise) ?

 

get both, you can have a pan heater plugged in all night. If you have a block heater and an oil pan heater it will be less stress on the engine when you go to start your truck due to the oil being able to flow better. I live in northern Canada, i have used both on all my vehicles.

 

I don't think this will help much because until the engine is warmed up, the thermostat is closed and the rad isn't providing any cooling effect anyway.

 

Had a pretty cold morning today so I plugged my truck in after I got up. It was in for about 2 hours and when I started it I noticed a huge difference from when I didn't have one. If you are in a cold place these are a must.

 

link to these heaters.....

 

I got mine from the dealership. It was 70 dollars from them.

 

I'm in Winnemucca NV, not quite as cold as WY but it can still get down there. The Taco 4.0 block heater is only 400 watts; you won't notice much difference in time to get warm air. I have one, and will probably get an oil pan heater soon. The heater in my old F-250 diesel was either 1000 or 1500 watts- it would blow luke warm air on start-up!!! Toyota really blew it on this one IMO; it should have been closer to 800 watts.

 

Are these freeze plug heaters? or in hose heaters.

 

Got my block heater at dealer in Boise for 37 bucks and installed in less than 30 minutes, no raising the truck or taking off tires. Plugged it in the other night when it got below zero and it definately helped starting the truck!! Really glad I got this...