Block Heater usage
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Lawson, Missouri
Block Heater usage
Well starting to get close to freezing here, so i was inspecting my Block heater connection, wiring, looking for wear, etc and I took a Amp reading and was pulling 8.7 amps and I was wondering....
"...What is the proper usage of your heater?, plug it in for x many hours?...Proper do's and Dont's...
"...What is the proper usage of your heater?, plug it in for x many hours?...Proper do's and Dont's...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,317
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From: Auburn, Wa
Alot of Guys go and Pick up a Timer system that will take the AMPS. Not sure exactly what its called as far as name Brands. But you plug it all up and set the time when it comes on like an Hour or 2 before you get up and ready to Go.
I used my block heater last year for about 2 weeks when Temps were down stupid low in the Teens. I didnt need it for start up aid. but it defiantly helped my warm up times.
I used my block heater last year for about 2 weeks when Temps were down stupid low in the Teens. I didnt need it for start up aid. but it defiantly helped my warm up times.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Willow Grove, PA
Last year I just plugged mine in on the bad nights before I went to bed & paid for it w/ my electric bill. This year I'm getting an industrial/heavy duty timer to put on a dedicated 20 amp outlet. I'm also thinking of getting a coolant heater from "Northern" and hooking that up as well so I'll actually have heat on the way to work (very short commute) so I don't have a long idle/warm up time in the morning. I think there are recomendations in the owners manual (if you still have it) but not positive. I think the block heater from FoMoCo is 1000 watts but not sure.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
8+ amps is about right. I use a timer purchased from ace hardware a few years ago. It was like $15 and still works good. I have it set for 3 hours before I leave for work. I've tried less and more time but the 3 hour seems to be the key.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Mild winters here, so a timer set for 2 hours prior to start means my heater starts working a lot faster in the morning.
A cord with a lighted end serves as a good reminder, and the Marinco plug rounds it all out with a nice look.
A cord with a lighted end serves as a good reminder, and the Marinco plug rounds it all out with a nice look.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Lawson, Missouri
starting to get some great idea's for a DIY set-up...keep 'em coming...
Kinda like to see the red" Remove Before Flight" streamer attached also...
Kinda like to see the red" Remove Before Flight" streamer attached also...
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 777
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Oh, I see, I heard the stock heater actually warmed the coolant. That didn't make sense to me at the time. I'm glad this is a nice forum with no flame throwers.
I'm thinking of also using a battery minder ($19 on Amazon) so the batteries are at their best when cranking her over.
I'm thinking of also using a battery minder ($19 on Amazon) so the batteries are at their best when cranking her over.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 777
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Oh WoW,
Thanks for the pic and nice looking down there.
Lets say it was a 32 degree morning and I forgot to plug in, how long should I let her idle? I've heard 15 seconds but that doesn't seem fair to the internals..
Thanks for the pic and nice looking down there.
Lets say it was a 32 degree morning and I forgot to plug in, how long should I let her idle? I've heard 15 seconds but that doesn't seem fair to the internals..
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 777
Likes: 6
From: Florida
might try to steal her. 15-20 sounds good, thanks again
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Willow Grove, PA
I had a spare key cut for my truck. I use it to warm it up in the morning and I lock the truck up and go inside while it warms up. When I go out to leave for work I have to use my regular set of keys to unlock the door since my remote is aftermarket & wont click the doors open w/ truck running. When I stop at store for my soda I lock it up running again and grap all the keys when i get to work.