Use block heater or not?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 7
From: London, KY
Use block heater or not?
This will be the first winter that I will be driving a diesel as my DD. I've had my '93 for a couple years but rarely drove it. Now that my '94 will be my DD I'm wondering if I should use the block heater or not. We've had a few cold mornings now, 30's and 40's and I let the glow plugs cycle one time and it starts instantly. If it continues to start this easy with the GP's as it gets colder this winter should I use the block heater anyway? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using the block heater even if it starts good with just the GP's?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,808
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
If it fires right up, I see no use in using the block heater. We did some figuring up and with it plugged in it dont draw very much on your electric bill. A finely tuned engine with all 8 glow plugs working really dont need a block heater, unless your talking about really really cold temperatures. BTW a plus with using the block heater is instant heat in the winter months.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter, Fl
Well if im correct, we use 15W-40 oil in our motors. So that means we need block heaters under 20 degrees otherwise the oil gets to its pour point and it wont flow as well at start up and can cause damage to the pump, bearings and alot more. I live in Florida and I maybe use my block heater maybe a few times a year when it gets under freezing just to be safe.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
I use mine when it will be below 50. I have seen the difference in how fast the oil pressure comes on between heater and no heater in colder weather. With the truck plugged in it is the same as summer, with out the heater it is slower by about 1-2 seconds. That was enough to make me run the heater.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Kville, ohio
i usually use mine when it turns cold, it always starts but it starts alot easier with the heater plugged in. i plug mine into a 20 hd times set to come on a couple hours before i get ready to leave in the morining so its not plugged in all night
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 2
It is just about time that i will start using mine. the instant heat is nice.
I have mine set on a timer so it turns on about 30 mins before i am ready to leave and it starts right up.
I have mine set on a timer so it turns on about 30 mins before i am ready to leave and it starts right up.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Mine has always started fine in really cold weather. But i've always like using the block heater. It's easier on the starter and on the engine, oil isn't as thick, so lubes right away, and starter doesn't have as much trouble turning it over.
And you don't have to let it idle for 10 min before taking off.
My 7.3 has a block heater, and a 3000 watt inline heater in the heater lines. 1 hour plugged in, fires up like it's in the middle of summer, and heat works in the cab right away
And you don't have to let it idle for 10 min before taking off.
My 7.3 has a block heater, and a 3000 watt inline heater in the heater lines. 1 hour plugged in, fires up like it's in the middle of summer, and heat works in the cab right away
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 2
even if i have mine plugged in for 3hrs the high idle stays on for ~10 mins. i wait for the high idle to turn off and then i take off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yeah that's what I do, I always wait for the high idle, winter or summer. The high idle on my 7.3 never stays long though when I use the block heater.
I've never used the block heater on my 6.9 and in winter once a month when I start it and let it run for over an hour, it takes a good 20-30 min to kick off!
I've never used the block heater on my 6.9 and in winter once a month when I start it and let it run for over an hour, it takes a good 20-30 min to kick off!
. My 84 block doesnt take to block heaters very well.....Hey John, can you show me where to get that inline heater??
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Show what? Where it is on the truck, or where it came from?
It came from an autoparts store around 15 years ago. lol
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 4
From: Victor, MT
Where to buy one, Napa here in Laurel dont have them, nor does Oreilly, NAPA, Carquest in billings. BTW, for all you northerners, it snowed in Laurel today..... Can I get one online somewheres/