Thoughts on a block heater?

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Jan 9, 2014 | 05:50 PM

#16

Shoo12

New User

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 12

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It certainly wasn't warm to the touch but it was about 15 degrees this morning. Does it really keep it that warm that the outside of the block would be warm to the touch in these temps? Any idea on how ohms of resistance or just any amount of continuity it's working?

Jan 9, 2014 | 05:54 PM

#17

Booma

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 54

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbasz1

The NAPA cord is just that, a cord, the ford one is wrapped for protection, I used that plastic covering for harnesses, worked fine.

I'll take your word that the Ford cord is wrapped with something (heat protection?). However my Ford dealer wanted $121 for it and Amazon sold the NAPA cord for $11.20. I think I can wrap it in a heat shield for a lot less than $110.

Jan 9, 2014 | 06:28 PM

#18

bubbasz1

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,022

Likes: 4

From: Redford, Mi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booma

Yep, that's the way I saw it also.

Jan 9, 2014 | 06:47 PM

#19

bubbasz1

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,022

Likes: 4

From: Redford, Mi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoo12

I don't know about warm to the touch but yesterday I did a little experiment at work. Got to work at 5AM, -6 degrees outside. I plugged in later that morning and checked and recorded the vital information. I checked it every hour or so after until I left Work. I appears that the best your going to get out of the block heater is about 75 degrees or so, pretty much leveled out after 4 hours. I would thick if you had continuity it's working, but electrician I'm not.

Time ------ Oil Temp ------ Water Temp ------ Outside Temp
11:00 ------ 40 Degrees ------ 40 Degrees ----- 2
12:00 ------ 53 Degrees ------ 68 Degrees ----- 2
1:20 ------ 66 Degrees ------ 78 Degrees ----- 2
2:20 ------ 68 Degrees ------ 77 Degrees ----- 2

Outside temp was per the truck external temp sensor, water and oil temp was from my H&S.

Jan 9, 2014 | 07:51 PM

#20

Vinford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 3,455

Likes: 8

From: Williams Lake B.C.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoo12

You touch around and you can feel it.
It will even melt the frost off some hoods.

Jan 9, 2014 | 08:55 PM

#21

longview1

Banned

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 1,457

Likes: 0

From: Grande Prairie, AB

Stick your head in the pass. side fender well and you can hear it.

Jan 9, 2014 | 10:09 PM

#22

URDADDY

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 218

Likes: 1

From: Ashland, Mississippi

Just my opinion but with the 6.4 you probably don't need it unless you see -5 plus on a regular basis. That being said I also don't need it, but have it. For the price it is nice to have available. Also bought on amazon and have an extra cord if anyone needs it. Shipping cost and its yours.

Jan 10, 2014 | 07:59 AM

#23

BROWN DOG KTM

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,778

Likes: 287

From: Down SOUTH

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgreening

That's because you live in Georgia.

It was -11 this morning ...

It's been 6, that's SIX Degrees here in North Georgia this week Thank You

South Georgia has Florida weather.

The 6.4 Block Heater cord is pretty difficult to twist lock to the Element behind the starter

but is doable

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Jan 10, 2014 | 07:52 PM

#24

Tawn

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 154

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This past week we had several single digit nights. When I plugged it in, the glow plug indicator was only on for 3-5 seconds. When I didn't plug it in it took about 10 seconds for the indicator to go out.

When plugged in it was blowing warm air within 5-8 minutes of normal driving, when it wasn't plugged in, it took about 12-15 minutes before it warmed up enough to turn up the blower.

FYI - I didn't have the time to install the cord myself. The local ford dealer charged $220 out the door to put the cord on (parts + labor).

Jan 10, 2014 | 09:49 PM

#25

ssharber

Tuned

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 413

Likes: 1

From: Tennessee

I live in TN, and I love my block heater. Not only for the fact that it keeps the engine AND the oil warm, it helps keep my garage warm also. You definitely know when mine is plugged in cause the hood is warm to the touch. Some might say that I'm a fool for keeping it plugged in even though it is garage kept, but it makes a tremendous difference in how my truck drives when I start it up and pull out in the cold. Especially lately in the single digit weather we've had. I also feel it has helped my engine oil analysis's with some of the lowest metal numbers amongst the many friends I have who also have their oil analyzed yet DONT use theirs. A warm engine is a happier engine. Especially at startup. It's definitely worth it to me. Just my 2 cents worth.