Remote start with block heater
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: Boston
I was always under the impression that cold starts wear on the engine and using the block heater would reduce this somewhat.
I read one thread claiming you can burn out the element by running the truck with the block heater plugged in but I really dont have the first clue.
I read one thread claiming you can burn out the element by running the truck with the block heater plugged in but I really dont have the first clue.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
Likes: 7
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
The only things which you are likely to damage during startup are items which are hooked directly to the battery, for example a trickle charger, so it is usually recommended to unplug them. The block heater is not a problem since it does not interface with the vehicle electrical system.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 1
From: WY
I have heard my whole driving life that you are not supposed to start the engine with the BLOCK HEATER plugged in. But I do it all the time. I fail to understand how running the engine while the heating element is in use will cause any damage. That doesn't mean it won't, just that I fail to see how. I have been running my trucks for the last 10 years or so while the BLOCK HEATER is plugged in. I haven't had any issues with any of the four trucks.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 5
From: Northwestern Ontario
I have been doing it for 40 years....and had no problems. I also own a automotive service center, for the past 22 years. and have not had customers that have had any problems.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: Boston
Thanks for the replies. I have been remote starting with it plugged in and will continue to do so. Much more convenient for me.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
The concern is cavitation. With the engine running and the coolant circulating there is a chance that air bubbles/pockets could be present around the heating element and cause hot spots. This could lead to burning out the element.
With that being said, I have replaced very few heating elements over the years and none of them would have been considered premature failures. My opinion is it's a good precaution to unplug the heater first, but until we have a large number of people reporting failures on elements, you won't get me to subscribe to "the sky is falling" mentality.
With that being said, I have replaced very few heating elements over the years and none of them would have been considered premature failures. My opinion is it's a good precaution to unplug the heater first, but until we have a large number of people reporting failures on elements, you won't get me to subscribe to "the sky is falling" mentality.
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jayhawk714
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