Block Heater

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 8, 2016 | 05:20 PM

#16

Jaime74656

Logistics Pro

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 4,744

Likes: 5

From: Earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Black Dually

Just south of Rockford Illinois.

I plug in my truck when I get home and let it simmer all night. The temp gauge only goes above the C - mark. Still have to let it idle a few to warm up...

BBD

that is normal, it's working as intended, I just let Enigma idle to get oil flowing really, and so I have warm air for the drive,

Dec 8, 2016 | 09:20 PM

#17

Firefighter 1406

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 5,372

Likes: 108

From: Northern Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger12

I plug mine in when it gets into the teens and set the timer for 2 hours before I leave for work. It warms the oil enough to let it turn over with no problems. Any time more than that your giving your power company your money.

I need to get a timer for mine. Been giving the power company my money for quite a few years. What kinda timer you guys use?

Dec 8, 2016 | 09:25 PM

#18

Walleye Hunter

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 10,750

Likes: 1,065

From: Douglassville, PA

Intermatic is a good name in timers, just be sure that you get one that's good for the amps you'll be using. You're talking about something like 1500 watts and I don't know how that converts to amps. Your local genuine electrical supply house will have what you need and know what to give you. Ace might have it if you know exactly what you need.

Dec 8, 2016 | 10:00 PM

#19

bigb56

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 3,609

Likes: 324

From: Arizona

Been using this one for years

https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-P1.../dp/B003NVLWMI

Dec 8, 2016 | 10:08 PM

#20

Firefighter 1406

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 5,372

Likes: 108

From: Northern Indiana

Thank you both for the info and the link. Need to get this one coming.

Dec 8, 2016 | 10:24 PM

#21

Rikster-7700

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,465

Likes: 17

From: Jacksonville, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walleye Hunter

These are 1000 watt heaters IIRC, but like walleye said you always want to go a little bigger with electrical equipment.

I = P/E, so 1000 / 120 = 8.3 amps. A 10 or 15 amp timer should suffice.

Another thing to note is that have an extension cord of at least #14 gauge wire (#14 is rated for an over current protective device / breaker of 15 amps) and try not to have one too long. If you need a longer cord you will need to step up the gauge ( #12 or even #10) appropriately, this is mainly to counteract voltage drop, which will drive up your amps....

Dec 9, 2016 | 10:26 AM

#22

echo95

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 173

Likes: 0

From: Lakewood, Washington

Used one similar to the one in the link below before I installed the factory heater. Plumbed between lower block drain and heater hose the mounted it low on the pax side frame rail. Down side is that you now have more possible leak points, and I burned through more than one timer being that it is 1500 watts.

I thought the factory block heater would do a better job, but was somewhat disappointed, but all good. In hindsight I would have kept the external heater in place for those extra cold nights.

Kat's Heaters Thermostatically Controlled Circulating Tank Heater - 120V - 1,500 Watts Kats Heaters Vehicle Heaters KH13150

Dec 9, 2016 | 12:32 PM

#23

hydro man 17

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 1,910

Likes: 2

From: Hat Creek Ca

What Rikster said, especially with wire size if you have a very long run to the truck from the plug. Also need to take into account how far the recepticle is from the main panel.