I have a frost plug type engine block heater. Once it is plugged into the wall outlet, I'm wondering if it runs constantly? Or does it get the coolant up to a certain temp, then shut off for a while and re-start when the coolant temp drops?

 

I believe most block heaters are a simple heating element with no thermo couple. Plugged in= element on.

 

All block heaters are on once plugged in unless there is a control unit between the plug and heater element.

I have my extension cord plugged into a timer that comes on 3 hours before I have to leave for work. It also shuts off 3 hours after I leave just in case I have to leave later or for my days off.

Another forum member did a test and logged data on how the factory block heater works once plugged in. IIRC the factory block heats up to 125 in the first hour and then drops off to around 90 there after.

 

no address showing

 

If it gets up to 125 in the firs hour, why have it sucking up 1000 watts for an extra 2 hours?

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Is it bad to leave them plugged in all the time? I work from home and never know when I will use it, so I just leave the Diesel plugged up, where the outlet is, having a timer isn't really an option and the power is controlled by a wall switch inside

-The Great

 

Plugging it in and leaving it doesn't hurt. My work truck is plugged in 24/7 when it's cold out because we never know when we need it.

In weather like we are having right now (-20*F) I plug my Ex in when I get home, Nd unplug it when I leave for work. It even stays plugged in when it's warming up in the morning. Usually 15 min or so when it's this cold.


As for the original question, on the excursions, plug it in and it's on.

 

Ya Dave, we are -17* toinght... so it is still plugged in. Just didn't konw if any kind of damage is being caused by being plugged up all the time.

-The Great

 

Not so much as damage but can't forget the wear. Heating elements are only rated for so many hours.
Quite something one need not worry about I wouldn't think

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I really don't know how many service hrs they usually get, but I've never had one burn out on any of my Fords. I've seen some on Chevys burn out, but they had 250,000 miles on them. A block heater is cheap and easy to replace anyways

 

FYI...the aftermarket engine block heater manufactures say not to leave the heater plugged in when the engine is running.

 

Only when you get the electric bill! I use a timer on both my work van/excursion.

 

Never heard of that before.

It's just a heating element, running the vehicle shouldn't hurt it even with it plugged in. It can't reach any temps higher than it sees any other time.

Infact, when you first start the engine, it will start moving the warm coolant out of the block and replace it with cold stuff from the radiator. So theoretically, leaving it plugged in during warmup would help it warm up faster.

 

Simple garden timer here as well. 2-3 hours before I leave for work.

 

You may drive off with it plugged in, causing a hazard as the cord follows you down the road If there was air in your coolant system, that element could burn out!