Engine heater
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Engine heater
I have heard alot of people here say the engine heater should not be left plugged in continuously but no one seems to give a reason. what is the story? is it bad or not? why? been using mine lately and have left it plugged in along with a battery charger all night long. it wouldnt fire cold one day last week and I ended up killin the batteries trying. since though i only need the heater because it fires right up when warm. the old Dekas need replacing. not enough power to run the glow plugs, the engine, and the remote start. engine running on remote start, with glow plugs on, only have ~11 volts. after the glowplugs cycle off only gets up to about 12.5 when its cold, and i didnt plug it in, got enough juice to try it 3 times then forget it cause its not gonna happen. what do you guys think?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Assuming your belt is not slipping, I suggest checking the connectors on the alternator. They'll sometimes loosen up from being laid across when working on the engine and all sorts of other reasons.
Check your battery posts and terminals. Make sure they're clean and tight.
As far as the engine block heater goes, I've left mine plugged in all night and haven't had any problems. I think the main reason people say don't leave it plugged in all the time is due to the amount of electricity it pulls. It can get expensive leaving it plugged in all the time.
Check your battery posts and terminals. Make sure they're clean and tight.
As far as the engine block heater goes, I've left mine plugged in all night and haven't had any problems. I think the main reason people say don't leave it plugged in all the time is due to the amount of electricity it pulls. It can get expensive leaving it plugged in all the time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: FL
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
its a fresh belt along with the smooth idler pulley. the tensioner was lubed and checked at that time so no its not slippin. terminals are tight and clean. I will check the connections to the alt. though. i dont lay on the alternator when im under the hood but its worth a check if i can avoid forking out 200+ for batteries
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: FL
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
That looks very similar, if not identical to mine. I think it was $20-25 maybe? Mine's mounted on the outside of the garage 
On a side note- I keep a short extension cord in the truck (maybe a 10 footer or so) so that if I need to plug in while I'm travelling I at least have a cord with me.
On a side note- I keep a short extension cord in the truck (maybe a 10 footer or so) so that if I need to plug in while I'm travelling I at least have a cord with me.
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From: Newport, WA
I can never remember for sure, but I want to say 1500w.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Medford Oregon
I've tried different times but found 3 hours is the best bang for the buck. Did not mater is the temps where in the low 30's or high teens. Less than 3 hours I noticed a difference and more no difference on the WTS light. I did try the plug in all night but noticed no difference.
Needless to say if your climate is much colder then you may need to adjust the time.