diesel block heater question/misc

[Ryan_V]

I'm trying to buy my cousins Dodge 2500 diesel (it's getting closer!!). It's an Arizona truck, so it doesn't have a block heater. How much will one cost to install, and is this something I can do myself, or should i just bring it in?? Bear in mind, I'm getting kind of handy with mechanical things, but by no means good at much!! Is there anything else I need to worry about with buying a diesel truck from AZ and bringing it to MN for the rest of it's life??

[Valv]

Are you sure it does not have it? Many times they just removed the cord from the heater.

You can look on the right side of the motor, below the turbo, one of the freeze plugs is replaced with the heater.

Otherwise the job is not too tough, you will need to drain the coolant, but you have plenty of access room, especially if you work from underneath or from the fender.

[311Hemi]

As Valv said, often the block heater is there they just don't have the cord hooked up. Actually, I'm pretty sure all of them come with the heaters....at least the newer ones.....you just need to buy the cord. You can find them online for $30.

Do a search for Geno's Garage if you just need to buy the cord.

[Ryan_V]

thanks guys, I'll take a look. He'll have the truck back up here in a few weeks for me to buy. Other than that, anything else to do to it to make it ready for MN winters and ice fishing on mille lacs??

[Valv]

Nothing else to worry about. If you can use synthetic motor oil it will help a little with cold starts, but other than that truck is ready to get used as it comes.

[Ryan_V]

Valv... Would I see the heater from the bottom of the truck?? I've never owned a diesel, so I have no idea what I'm looking for. I'll have to try and google some pictures. I run amsoil in my current vehicle, not sure if I will when I get the cummins or not. it will be fresh when I get it, so I'll have time to think about it some. thanks again dodge dude!!

[LMITOUT]

If it was sold in Arizona I'm not so sure it'll have a block heater. Maybe, but usually it's part of a cold-weather package for trucks in the midwest unless Dodge does it different.

I'm guessing the only way it has a block heater is if it was specifically ordered with one since it's an AZ truck, whereas in the midwest it's usually a factory requirement for any midwest truck to have the cold weather package, or at minimum, a block heater.

[311Hemi]

Here is a pic of it, it might have a black cap over it.

The cold weather package includes the power cord installed, where I think the AZ truck has the heater it just doesn't include the cord.

[Ryan_V]

EXCELLENT!!! thanks for the picture. Like I said, I'm totally new to the diesel thing, so I really, really appreciate the picture. Will I see this from under the truck, passenger side??

[Valv]

This is from above, engine compartment, passenger side, after you remove the turbo inlet.

[Ryan_V]

Thanks for the help guys. the truck made it home to phoenix. he's going to bring it in for service, then turn and burn for MN in a week or so to bring me the truck. I had him ask the dealer if it has one, and the heater is there, it just needs the cord, so he's just having one put on at that point!! I worked out a deal so I should have in in a couple weeks or so!! can't wait!! thanks again for all your help. Being a new diesel owner, I'm sure I'll have several more questions in the future!!

[Scott K]

Todays diesels can pretty much be driven like a gas truck.

Congratulations!

[jeffreyd]

it gets cold here, geez it is only 105 today. oh yes with some humidity and a nice sw breeze blowing right off the desert floor. Seriously on our firetrucks, we spec'd in block heaters on all of them so when they were plugged in even in the summertime they were warm. granted we could shut the heater off if we wanted but we left them on year round. block heater on 120 volt ac on in the cab to keep that part cold in the summer. just seems wrong.

[Ryan_V]

Todays diesels can pretty much be driven like a gas truck.

Congratulations!

Thanks scott... if you know anyone that would be interested in that ranger, let me know, it's for sale!!! I'm asking less than what I have into it, including the work you did for me. It's a great, solid truck, zero rust, cherry inside and out!!

[Scott K]

I will keep it in mind. toss out an approximate $, and I will spread the word. Also dont forget to post it in the HSO classifieds, you may be surprised how fast it may sell!

[Loose]

Buddy put something like this in his 97 powerjoke and would start blowing heat right away after start up. Did a way better job than the factory heater.

[Ryan_V]

Scott, just got it posted as we speak!! looking for about $3400. Looking at C-list, i think i'm pretty reasonable, but we'll see!! i put it in the hutch section.