How long can I run my block heater?
 

How long can I leave my block heater plugged in for with out adverse effects? Can I leave it all night?

Was wondering this as well. And also does anyone know how much power it draws?

I have read that most block heaters draw 1000W.

I keep my truck plugged in aaaaalllllll night long! I have been doing EVERY season for the last 4? years?

I don't think theres a limit to how long you can keep em plugged in as long as theres plenty of fluid to keep the element submerged. Here at work I have 3 cummins diesel generators that get plugged in the 1st of September and stay plugged in till the 1st of May and have never had any problems other than one did give out but it's been on the engine since 1988. All fluids get tested twice anually and all 3 get run for about an hour every monday.

Thats what I needed to know. Thanks

I've tried different times and 3 hours is about all you need. Any more and no additional benefit. Have mine on a timer and starts at 03:00 to 06:00.

Get a timer and save your electric bill,,,,,,,,, 3 hours works for me........

Same here ....

Me three... and if I leave the controls on defrost the lower part of the windshield is clear most of the time.

Exactly!!!!!

oooh, good to know as there is icy rain/snow in saturday night's forecast here!

p.s. reps sent!

if I know I will be driving in the morning I leave it plugged in all night.

Good to know. As far as electricity bill goes, I live in an apartment with all bills paid. lol... The complex probably shouldn't have done that... lol.

I worked at a power plant where the fire pump was a T444E. It sat with the block heater on year round for many years. I don't know for certain it's the same heater but it probably is.

I was shocked when this happened for me the first time. I was spending the night at a ski area with my camper and they would let me plug in for $15. I left the block heater running all night and in the morning the windshield was mostly clear even though it was snowing at quite a clip.