[rc4man]

Buddy of mine has 2018 6.7 and is driving from Georgia to Colorado next week to take delivery of a new camper.
He called me yesterday worried about fuel additives for cold weather and how long he might need his block heater plugged in to achieve easier starting.

Off hand I told him that most places, especially in colder climes were already pumping Winter Blend fuel and that I thought 45-60 minutes would probably be enough time to warm the engine with the heater to make noticeable difference in starting.

Thought I would ask here for verification or some more directly knowledgeable input. Appreciate your input.

 

[bugman]

As you said the additives are already in the fuel here in Colorado. As to starting, he shouldn't need the block heater if his glow plug system is working. I don't believe that the temperatures next week are going to be all that bad, that is unless he is going to spend the night in one of the colder areas.

Depending on when and where he fuels up it wouldn't hurt to put a bottle of Power Service or other anti gel into the tank when they do.

 

[Greg03PSD]

My 2020 has started fine for 3 winters in New Hampshire without any additives and without use of the block heater in temperatures down to low single digits. The 2003 7.3 that I used to have needed the block heater on the coldest days for easier starting, and I never had it plugged in more than about an hour before I needed to start it. To me, the 6.7 sounds the same when I start it regardless of season - it does not struggle in cold temperature like the older generations of Powerstroke diesels. Good batteries and glow plugs are all I have needed. Obviously no harm in using the block heater, but there is no need to use it for prolonged periods (hours) before starting.

 

[Nickelplated5s]

If you don't have supplemental cabin heat plugging it in will get you heat faster. If it came with a factory block heater you probably have that option anyway. Heated seats are nice too, my wife loves hers.