It's pretty stinkin cold outside!

msgtg · #1 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 08:56 PM

I went to start the diesel....it was ugly! It took three tries before she stumbled along. I'm comfortable with the PowerService in the white bottle...I don't belive it was gelling.

I made it a point to crawl under it tonight and find the plug. This is the first time I've ever plugged it in. It's 7 outside right now so I'll see if it makes a difference in the morning.

Dave....is there any indicator to show the heater is working once it's plugged in?

Joe

Outlawwv · #2 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 09:15 PM

9 here now - i started the kw earlier and am letting it run all night - put air line antifreeze in both glad hands and took main line off compressor and put some in there also - just got back from checking on it - gotta go out at 3 am

2001psd · #3 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 10:01 PM

Hey joe it does make a big difference the way it starts, suppose to get -1 here tonight! plugged mine in for the first time this winter.

msgtg · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 09:29 AM

The AM update: The truck started like it was 80 degrees out side...not 6 that showed on the interior readout! Now all I have to do is to clean out the plug cover (the ground prong hole looks like theres mud or something in it) and I'll be good for a bit.

I'll start plugging it in whenever it's gonna be down to 10 degrees or so. Like I said, last year it was down to about 16 and she started right up without plugging it in.

Talk about being relieved! When I first tried yesterday my first thought was...as usual, a crappy time to have to replace batteries! It turned over really sluggishly.

Joe

1975StroppeBaja · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 10:49 AM

Here it was 2 yesterday morning and -1 this morning.

Anyone else ready for springtime?

Outlawwv · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1975StroppeBaja

Here it was 2 yesterday morning and -1 this morning.

Anyone else ready for springtime?

yes sir -- i was in the basement yesterday and saw my catfishin pole leaning in the corner -- i guess it won't be long now though

msgtg · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 06:59 PM

ME TOO! ME TOO!

Took Saturday off and went to Gander Mtn in Chas. I KNEW I was gonna spend money but I found another casting reel/rod combo and the tackle box got happier.

Joe

Archion · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 08:53 PM

it may be cold here, but this weekend I get to fly to the windy city for work, I think I'm screwed...

Dave Sponaugle · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 09:22 PM

Looking at the weather forcast for the temps in Chicago, the screwed won't make any difference.
You won't feel a thing.

Joe, I plug in usually if it will be below 30 degrees.
The engine builds oil pressure faster when the oil is warm.
Engine starts much faster, lots easier on the starter.(Price a replacement, you will be plugging in at 50 degrees)
Plus the defroster works so much quicker.

Not sure where the heater is on a Stroke.
On my IDI I can hear the heater right after I plug in, sounds like an old coffee pot when I listen by the passenger side front wheel.
IDI block heater is at the back right side of my engine.

Look at the cord you are using to plug in, if it is melting the snow or ice away from the cord, you need a bigger AWG cord.
If you want to save a bit of electricity, get a timer rated for at least 1500 watts.
Set the timer for 2 to 3 hours before you want to start your engine.
I have a timed outlet wired to an Intermatic hard wired timer for no snow days.

Right beside that is a regular outlet, always hot.
When snow is in the forcast, mine is always plugged in straight to the regular outlet.
I am ready to roll as soon as there is enough snow to plow.

We waited till 9:30 this morning to start work.
All of the trucks and equipment were slow to start.
The first excavator I jumped in, you could just hear it say.....Man it is to damn cold, you want to work? Your nuts.

They all started, but none of them were happy about it.

5_labsownus · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 10:11 PM

If you would turn the AC off it would warm up outside. The other day someone left the ice amker on!

Fess Up who did it?

Rod

msgtg · #11 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 05:34 AM

Thanks Dave. I'm convinced now that I've plugged it in. I don't see any indicators anywhere so I'm assuming there are none. There's nothing in the owners manual about indicators either. Supposedly mine is in the block...totally silent.

Joe

67nukeford · #12 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 12:18 PM

Hey Joe, one of the texas guys has this setup for his block heater plug. He mounted it in the lower air dam.

He used a Marinco plug, I think from an RV dealer. I'm going to do this in the spring, it really looks good, and makes it easy to get to.

msgtg · #13 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 12:20 PM

HEY! I like that idea....and you never have to go fumbling around looking for the darn plug behind the bumper again!

Nice idea Pat!

Joe

67nukeford · #14 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 12:24 PM

I wish I could take credit for it. kw5413 (Keith) out of Texas came up with it. If you look in his gallery, he's got a few more pics of the mod. I think it's a great idea! Another thing you might want to do, if your getting corrosion on the plug, is to put some dielectric grease on it to help keep the plug clean.

Outlawwv · #15 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 05:37 PM

you could also get a plug in from a big truck and put on your pickup - all the one's i.ve ever saw were chrome and would look pretty good