Is my engine heater working?
 

Really two questions in this, first about the block heater, second about the smoke I'm seeing when I start the truck.

So I've had my first truck for a few weeks now, and it's finally cold in Ohio, to the point where I think it should be plugged in. I've found the plug near the left front tow hook, and I left it plugged in for several hours before I had to leave for work the other day, it was about 20 degrees and windy, and it was actually a difficult cold start. I tried again with a different extension cord just to make sure, and again, it was a difficult cold start, lots of white smoke for about a minute, and then it clears up once it idles up. So is there a way to test the heater and or replace it on my own?

Also, when the truck has been sitting say overnight, when I go to start it, there is a lot of white smoke when I first start it, sometimes lasting for more than 30 seconds, also the turbo cannot be immediately heard. Once I hear the turbo start spooling, the smoke usually clears up right around then. Is this common? Or am I going to need some work done? Once it's all warmed up, everything runs fine, no smoke!

Thanks for your help everyone!
-PowerstrokeFan

mine does the same im curious as well

Couple things here... First, the block heater cord can be tested with a multimeter just like anything else... Also, they can be easily replaced...

Secondly, your turbo isn't "spooling" at idle... There is no boost being created. The smoke you are seeing is from cold cylinders. It's normal... You could also have a glow plug or a couple gp's out that is causing some cylinders to take longer to warm up...