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When to plug in?

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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 06:05 PM
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Shakedown St.'s Avatar
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When to plug in?

Just moved back to the mountains and have never had to do it. At what temp does everybody start using their block heaters?? It's starting to get cold here! Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 06:16 PM
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I haven't plugged this one in yet mainly because I can't seem to locate the cord that is supposed to be there. On my 6.0, I used to plug it in at 30* or below more to have instant heat and reduce warm-up time. From what I've seen so far with the 6.7, I don't think it will ever be necessary to plug it in at anything above 0*.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 06:29 PM
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-25c here last night.i plugged it in and was glad i did.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by brmpipes
-25c here last night.i plugged it in and was glad i did.
Whoa!!!!! Where do you live?
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 720Deere
I haven't plugged this one in yet mainly because I can't seem to locate the cord that is supposed to be there.
The plug is located in the front bumper opening just to the left of the license plate.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by BTyner41
The plug is located in the front bumper opening just to the left of the license plate.
Thanks...not cold here yet, but I did not know where it was since I had not looked for it yet.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 10:51 AM
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0F is about as good a time as any to start plugging in.

--
Gordon
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 10:59 AM
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Thanks for the replies. Considering its in the teens today, dumping snow, and frigid tonight, I guess it's time to plug in.

Sometimes I miss that warm So. Florida sun!!
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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A lot of people, including me, use a timer. You really only need 2-3 hours of heating before you are going to start the truck.

So if you have a regular schedule, say you leave for work at 6AM, get a heavy duty timer and have it turn on at 3AM. The truck will be just as well warmed up and you'll save some money.

The block heater is in the neighborhood of 1100 watts, so it can add up.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 01:25 PM
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Something to be said for getting in a truck where the coolant is already at 60-70 degrees.
Truck starts easier, less stress on the engine , cabin warms up quicker, you will be more comfortable.

I usually plug in around 25F or less.

Most block heaters can be damaged if left plugged in with the engine running.
So I don't think it is a good idea to plug in and use your remote start.

That goes for coolant immersion type heaters.

What type of heater is used on the 2011's?
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgt93
Whoa!!!!! Where do you live?
close to Red Deer Alberta.low at night to -27 till wed next week.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by dchamberlain
A lot of people, including me, use a timer. You really only need 2-3 hours of heating before you are going to start the truck.

So if you have a regular schedule, say you leave for work at 6AM, get a heavy duty timer and have it turn on at 3AM. The truck will be just as well warmed up and you'll save some money.

The block heater is in the neighborhood of 1100 watts, so it can add up.

i did the same thing when i had my 7.3 my first winter electric bill was a shocker before i used the timer. i think the 7.3's block heater was 1500 watts. think about it you would'nt want to leave every light on in your house while your sleeping. so a timer is a smart investment.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 04:00 PM
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Most block heaters can be damaged if left plugged in with the engine running.
So I don't think it is a good idea to plug in and use your remote start.
No, that will not hurt it. The block heater is installed into the water jacket and immersed in the coolant. It not being hurt with the engine running.....it is still immersed in the coolant.

--
Gordon
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by fixdent
No, that will not hurt it. The block heater is installed into the water jacket and immersed in the coolant. It not being hurt with the engine running.....it is still immersed in the coolant.

--
Gordon
That's the problem.
The coolant flowing past the block heater cavitates around the tube and causes them to burn out.
Found out the hard way with two Detroit 6-71's in my boat.
When I changed them though I added thermostats (in the water jackets, Detroit part). That way I could leave them plugged in all the time.

Heaters came on at 60 and shut off at 100
 
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Old Nov 20, 2010 | 05:59 PM
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From: Bozeman, MT
Originally Posted by dchamberlain
A lot of people, including me, use a timer. You really only need 2-3 hours of heating before you are going to start the truck.

So if you have a regular schedule, say you leave for work at 6AM, get a heavy duty timer and have it turn on at 3AM. The truck will be just as well warmed up and you'll save some money.

The block heater is in the neighborhood of 1100 watts, so it can add up.

Thanks for the advice, as I never thought about the power usage. I was planning on plugging in overnight but will definitely invest in a timer.
 
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