Damn truck been sitting in the cold for 3 days and it won't start. What kind of job is it to put the block heaters in and how much is the job. Never seen it before. Don't know how many parts need to be changed.

 

What engine? What year? You tube has videos.

 

If you leave them plugged in all night, they will up the electric bill.

I have used a heavy duty timer in the past, and have it kick on about 2 hours before I left for work.

Parts are the heater itself, and depends on what you get.

Some go in the casting plug (frost plug) hole, some go in the lower rad hose.

Either style of those, requires draining the coolant.

I know what you mean by 'Cold Here' LOL. We've been below zero (F) for going on two weeks.

We only have two seasons though, winter and road construction.

 

Buying a block heater and paying someone to install is going add up to some $$$. Consider an engine oil pan heater. Easy DIY job.
Check here.

http://www.wolverineheater.com/

 

I forgot to say my truck is Diesel.

 

Seems like the oil pan heater would be much easier. When I worked at an oil change place I would see Diesels and Gas engines alike have some heater pads on the oil pan. Always seemed real durable and adhered to the pan real well.

Being in a warm part of California i've wondered why they needed them here though. Its 'wintertime' here and yet a nice 78* every day.