Plugging in ?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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Plugging in ?
Well last night the temp dropped below -18f and this morning the oil temp and coolant temp after about 2 minutes of running was 2f.... Truck started but this time it didn't crank with much vigor....and considering I'm in the middle of nowhere I don't want to push fate.... I installed the heater plug recently but never used it... This will be my first time so have question... Can I leave the truck plugged in all night? Will I awaken to a charred mess?... Using a new 12gauge extension will this be enough.... Temps were now is 6f and expected to drop well below zero again tonight..... Thoughts and opinions
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 229
From: Pa
The heater may be plugged in all night. I have done this several times, but in reality 3-4hrs is all that is needed. Remember the block heater is like having a coffee maker on all night (1150 watts I believe) so your meter will be spinning a little faster. Mine at 10* for 4hrs shows a water temp of 80-100*f and oil temps just a little lower. Keep in mind you are only warming a fraction of oil and coolant. As far as cord I bought a thick one lol Dont remember size or amp rating. O block heater draws about 10amps IIRC.
I'm hitting easy street
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,395
Likes: 27
From: Central Oregon
Example of how warm your block heater gets the water:
One morning I plugged the block heater in. My Scangauge read 39 degrees.
1 hour later it was 80 degrees.
2 hours later was 94 degrees.
3 hours later it was 103 degrees.
4 hours later it was 110 degrees.
5 hours later it was 116 degrees.
Yes, 39 isn't that cold to start, but was interesting to see that it went from 39 to 80 in an hour.
Currently my oil temp in hour 3 is 77 degrees. It was 40 at starting point.
Oil temp after 4 hours was 91 degrees.
One morning I plugged the block heater in. My Scangauge read 39 degrees.
1 hour later it was 80 degrees.
2 hours later was 94 degrees.
3 hours later it was 103 degrees.
4 hours later it was 110 degrees.
5 hours later it was 116 degrees.
Yes, 39 isn't that cold to start, but was interesting to see that it went from 39 to 80 in an hour.
Currently my oil temp in hour 3 is 77 degrees. It was 40 at starting point.
Oil temp after 4 hours was 91 degrees.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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You can buy a timer from home depot , they go outside and will handle the power no problem for @ $20
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Inverness, Fl
With temps that low I would also want to keep my batteries warm & fully charged. I use a battery tender keeps the batteries fully charged. This is the one I use, I just purchased a second one for my tractor.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender 022-0150-DL-WH Waterproof 800 12V Battery Charger: Automotive
Amazon.com: Battery Tender 022-0150-DL-WH Waterproof 800 12V Battery Charger: Automotive
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
As it gets near extreme cold, several things happen:
A) the thermal mass of the motor mean it takes longer and longer to reach "peak"
B) losses of heat rises higher and higher, with a peak heat well below what you are seeing in the range of temps the OP is seeing (-18F)
C) Block heater is a tiny 600 watt job
D) Block heater does nothing for batteries --- who lose potency fast.
E) Dino oil tend to have pretty high "pour points" and congeal to a solid goo
Think given his conditions --- extreme ---
Batteries, cables, alternator in top shape is a must.
Block heater, yes, battery tender / slow charger, yes
Synth oil --- a must
The alternative is to do the route of just leaving the motor idling all nite, at 1.5 gallons per hour.
At -40 or below, I would do that.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
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I honestly would not use a timer given the amount of heating you need to do, I would just leave it plugged in all nite.
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Senior User
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I'm running motor craft 15w40....started right up... But didn't turn over real quick... When It fired up it went into a nice smooth idle... But when I got back in the truck from cleaning off the ice I noticed that the oil temp/coolant temp
Was 2f .... But I have to say not sure if it's the new flash the truck went right into a smooth idle.... No knocking...
Was 2f .... But I have to say not sure if it's the new flash the truck went right into a smooth idle.... No knocking...