[AT] Polar Ice Caps/ block heaters

[hank at millerfarm.com]

Quoting "Roy Morgan" <k1lky at earthlink.net>:

> It looks like temps will be one degree here tonight. I'll plug the
> truck in for a while before I run it tomorrow, If I do run it. The
> truck is int he barn so it may not be as cold in there.

If your batteries are good you don't need that.   I've spent over half  
an hour cranking diesel engines before, but they will fire up down to  
0 without even glow plugs.   Still better for the engine (not to  
mention starter and battery) to plug it in, but not essential.   Glow  
plugs allow your truck to start at -20 without any help.  My car (a VW  
diesel) started yesterday at -24 after sitting out all night.

If your battery isn't good, then you have a problem.  I have to plug  
my truck (Ford 7.3) in anytime it is below freezing, and then go out  
over lunch, otherwise it won't get me home without a jump.   Since I  
try to drive the truck only in summer I'm not ready to replace the  
batteries yet.