These past few nights have been very cold. 10 degrees etc and I plugged my block heater in for apprx 2.5 hrs. I was expecting warm air in a few minutes from the htr and defrost after I started the engine but it seemed like it took almost as long to blow warm air as if I didn't even have a bock heater. What should be expected?? Thanks........Freezing in NY.....

 

Could you hear the block heater working? Also, did it crank over easier then it would have without the heater? I wouldn't expect to see a whole lot of difference at that temperature.

 

I plug mine in and leave it all night, in the morning after I start it I'll have warm air in a couple of minutes. 2.5 hours is not long enough Imo.

 

I just read in the book that it reaches max gtg after 3 hours ay 0 degrees... I'll put it on a little longer next time before i fire up the engine and see if the heat blows faster........

 

With a three to four minute idle, mine takes at least two miles of travel before it blows not cold air.

 

How long was it plugged in for prior to the driving?? And what temp was it out?? Thanks.

 

My truck isn't the V10, but I can leave it plugged in all night and hardly notice the difference when it is that temp.

I don't usually use the block heater until it gets below zero and then it gets 3-4 hours on the timer. If it gets below -10, then I consider leaving it on all night.

If you want warm air, then you should try a 110V car heater. It is something I have been meening to do, but never gotten around to it.

 

I don't expect it to blow like a forced air furnace I was just wondering about some real world feedback. As long as the block is somewhat warmer i guess it is better for the engine. In a diesel it makes a greater difference than a gas on the effect of the startup so I guess I'll still leave it plugged in for the few cents of electric it costs. Maybe it will suprise me one day an blow 100 degree air at startup.... In the summer probably.........

 

'Bout 19 or so this mornin. Started my truck and then cleared the snow off. By the time I cleared the snow off it, I didn't need to scrape any ice. Just had to brush it off cause it all melted loose already. By the time I got in the truck, I took off my jacket.

 

Thar was with the block heater plugged in I take it??

 

19 is pretty warm, I wouldn't waste any money on the block heater at that temp.

Well, not with these motors.

I am not sure what the wattage is, but I would expect it to be in the 400+ range.

 

I only use it if it is below zero f (if I remember to plug it in before bedtime). It never occurred to me that a block heater was anything but a device to make the engine easier to start and cause less wear and tear on a frozen motor. No offence, but I think you may have a misperception of what the block heater's purpose is.

 

Nope. She just warms up good. Its supposed to be down to 4 tonite. We'll see how she does tomorrow. I can't keep the heat all the way up for more than a 15 or 20 min drive or it turns into a sauna. I can only hope the A/C works as well in the summer.