How hard is it to install a block heater on my 99? I am moving to Wyoming from Cali and figure I might need a block heater for my high miles! Are they even worth putting in?

 

well look at the oil cooler. it's the long silver tube on the drivers side of the engine. at the back end there might be a cap covering the plug in for the cord.

 

So on the 99s all you have to do is buy a cord to plug into the oil cooler? Im not with my truck at the moment!

 

simple too change or install. about 30min. really. and when you do this its a good idea to just flush and replace your coolant. just do not do it when the truck is hot. trust me it burns. i waited but not long enough for it to cool down.

 

i could be wrong but did they make the oil coolers without the heater? i didn't think they did...

 

honestly they are worth it its hard on a diesel motor to start your truck in the cold below 32 some wont even start . basically i describe it starting in the cold like sucking a golfball through a straw. it could and will hurt your motor its worth it or u can run it when it warms up in the day n the plus is instant heat well at least in my truck i live in north carolina n i still need the block heater

 

i wouldn't say it's bad for them to start when it's cold but they sure don't like it. i had to fire my old 96 when it was -20F and she was cranky! not plugged in and it took me about 10 minutes to start her but she fianally did.

 

i herd they put a ton of strain on the motor never a good thing

 

i guess it does. but they have glow plugs for a reason....

 

I guess I have been doing it wrong for over 20 years. Starting anything below 20*f without being plugged in is hard on any engine. There are times when I have had to start my diesel at -40* after a 3 or 4 day soak. It starts but it sounds like marbles in a coffee can. Not perfered way to start my truck just what happens when the weather man is wrong here in Alaska.

Now do you have a 99 or 99.5......the 99.5 should already have the cord there. Look up behind the plastic and behind the bumper I believe coming from the driverside if not there check the other side. They are tied up there and many people do not know they are there, so look hard.......have won many 10 dollar bets, even from folks that have had their trucks for years.