Block heater
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 29
With plugging my block heater in.
It is easier on the engine.
It is easier on the batteries.
The engine gets to operating temperature quicker.
The hotter the engine the more it heats the fuel.
The quicker the engine heats up, it heats up the transmission.
The windshield is clear.
I use at least a $1.00 worth of fuel less.
At Idle I show twice the fuel flow then at operating temperature.
Most people around here don't plug in their block heater. It is my opinion that not using a block heater for the engine is like not using the steering wheel heater and heated seats for myself.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
I've used mine but just because it is there and I am always in hotels. I plug it in if it's below 10° in the morning which has been the case in WV this week. I use it so I can have heat on my way to the job site in the morning, about half of my work is outdoors so heat is very much appreciated.
If I never left my driveway at home would I plug it in? Maybe now and then but if it didn't start I'd be at home instead of in some hotel somewhere so I could work on it easier or whatever......
So, what I'm saying is, depends on how you use the truck. If you're out of town a lot or your work is critical (meaning that you have to be there, no excuses, high pressure) then I believe it's a good idea just because it helps a little and you get heat approx. 5 minutes faster.
If I never left my driveway at home would I plug it in? Maybe now and then but if it didn't start I'd be at home instead of in some hotel somewhere so I could work on it easier or whatever......
So, what I'm saying is, depends on how you use the truck. If you're out of town a lot or your work is critical (meaning that you have to be there, no excuses, high pressure) then I believe it's a good idea just because it helps a little and you get heat approx. 5 minutes faster.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
block heater
I suggest you hook a timer to it 3 hours before departure as senix said
If not The electricity cost will get your blood boiling so you won't need it.
I made the mistake of leaving it plugged in and I nearly keeled over the following month when the electric bill came in the mail !
If not The electricity cost will get your blood boiling so you won't need it.
I made the mistake of leaving it plugged in and I nearly keeled over the following month when the electric bill came in the mail !
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 5
From: Rusty, Maine
It has a rubber cap over the end to keep it from corroding I imagine. But it's on the pass side of plate in the bumper.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
my struggle is i hate waking up early and getting out of bed to turn the block heater on. the past week its been in the negatives at night. i got myself an outdoor timer with a wireless remote ($20 @ home depot) i turn it on 3 hours before i leave while I'm in bed and go back to sleep lol. i never said i wasn't lazy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
my struggle is i hate waking up early and getting out of bed to turn the block heater on. the past week its been in the negatives at night. i got myself an outdoor timer with a wireless remote ($20 @ home depot) i turn it on 3 hours before i leave while I'm in bed and go back to sleep lol. i never said i wasn't lazy.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
I do similarly, I use smarthome insteon switches, and have automated lights for outside, xmas, the shop, ... a small remote lets me control them manually as well.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
block heater
my struggle is i hate waking up early and getting out of bed to turn the block heater on. the past week its been in the negatives at night. i got myself an outdoor timer with a wireless remote ($20 @ home depot) i turn it on 3 hours before i leave while I'm in bed and go back to sleep lol. i never said i wasn't lazy.
I have the timer and do the 3 hours on before leaving. Watch out though as it isn't the most durable unit. First one was my fault, backed up while still plugged in and had to replace the whole unit even though just the plug was damaged.
Then last week pulling the extension cord from the plug at the truck the ground metal part pulled out. (very strange) so for now I just left the ground prong off the unit and use it that way. It was around $200 to replace the block heater wire.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
I think I mentioned this, but no one has addressed? The remote start feature. Seems to me that setting your heater/defroster on high just before you shut down at night, then when you wake up, aim it, started, time you hit the shower and coffee pot truck is toasty?????????????
Works down here for AC, that I know.
Works down here for AC, that I know.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
My propane tank holds 250 gal, I have hot water, stove/oven and HVAC all pulling on it...I have it filled once a year...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Don, using the remote start will give you a warm cabin after it idles for about 20minutes.
But
The whole idea behind using the block/coolant heater is to make it easier and less destructive to start the engine in sub zero temps. The oil sump will be approx 30° in average conditions (0°F outside ambient temp). So, using electricity to warm the coolant and oil is primarily to help it start.
The goal of having a warmed cabin is just a secondary consideration. Also, there are a lot of people that don't like to burn diesel idling just for convenience, it is wasteful.
That's all I got.
But
The whole idea behind using the block/coolant heater is to make it easier and less destructive to start the engine in sub zero temps. The oil sump will be approx 30° in average conditions (0°F outside ambient temp). So, using electricity to warm the coolant and oil is primarily to help it start.
The goal of having a warmed cabin is just a secondary consideration. Also, there are a lot of people that don't like to burn diesel idling just for convenience, it is wasteful.
That's all I got.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
Don, using the remote start will give you a warm cabin after it idles for about 20minutes.
But
The whole idea behind using the block/coolant heater is to make it easier and less destructive to start the engine in sub zero temps. The oil sump will be approx 30° in average conditions (0°F outside ambient temp). So, using electricity to warm the coolant and oil is primarily to help it start.
The goal of having a warmed cabin is just a secondary consideration. Also, there are a lot of people that don't like to burn diesel idling just for convenience, it is wasteful.
That's all I got.
But
The whole idea behind using the block/coolant heater is to make it easier and less destructive to start the engine in sub zero temps. The oil sump will be approx 30° in average conditions (0°F outside ambient temp). So, using electricity to warm the coolant and oil is primarily to help it start.
The goal of having a warmed cabin is just a secondary consideration. Also, there are a lot of people that don't like to burn diesel idling just for convenience, it is wasteful.
That's all I got.
I agree on the excessive idling, I am amazed how much fuel it uses....
Years ago, N of the Arctic circle they would leave the trucks in gear (auto trans) and engine idling to keep engine/trans warm. Std trans would freeze solid...