13Raptor

Never would have optioned for one, but the truck I currently have came with one.. so I figure why not use it. I usually don't plug it in until overnight temps get below freezing around here.

Dutchmanxtr

If it's going to be less than -25C, I like to plug in. I put it on a timer for about 2 hours before I have to leave. When at work, and it's -30C, I just leave it plugged in all day. If definitely warms up the block, since the heat gauge moves almost immediately.
FWIW, I have started the truck in -30C without the block heater and it starts no problem.
Oh and I had the recall done and mine was ok.

One trivia thing though, in the old days when plugging in, a guy could hear the block heater start to sizzle. But now with these newer types, there is no noise, so hard to tell if it's even on.

MNgopher

I went through this on an older truck. Turns out the truck was ordered by the leasing company based in New Jersey (where block heaters were not standard) with a delivery to Minnesota (where block heaters are standard). The standard configuration defaulted to the leasing companies location, and since they did not specify a block heater in the fleet order, none was installed.

My explorer was initially delivered to a Chicago area dealer, and then transferred to the Twin Cities in response to someone looking for a somewhat unique combination of things. It had no block heater either, when all regular ones delivered here did.

MNgopher

I have one on my 2016 F150. Use it as the owners manual specifies - in temps at 0F or colder.

That being said, I have started mine (2.7 Ecoboost) in temps as cold as -32F (and cold soaked to boot) without the block heater. It wasn't thrilled about it (and come to think of it, neither was I!), but it did it!

Islandlife

5 f150s and a focus and a edge. only used block heater when battery started to fail on my lil' focus.
it's cold up here. ride to work today for proof.

hawetr

manitoulin or st joes

Islandlife

Christian Island

hawetr

oh, your ferry is broke

F175

How hard is it to install a factory block heater?

Islandlife

yes it is. northern community fun!
hauled literally tonnes of supplies across georgian bay.