Block Heater
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Block Heater
Hey Guys,
I haven't put a meter on my block heater yet but, I suspect it is not working. When the truck is plugged in for a while and you start the truck will the temp gauge already be moved up?
Thanks,
Troy
I haven't put a meter on my block heater yet but, I suspect it is not working. When the truck is plugged in for a while and you start the truck will the temp gauge already be moved up?
Thanks,
Troy
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
After using my heater last winter during extreme cold, my gauge didn't indicate any movement but it sure warms up quicker. Remember, it is only about 1000 watts of heat and not likely to show anything but is sure helps with cold starts and quick warm ups.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 4
From: Western NC
My temp gauge will show about 1/2-way between "C" and the lower end of the "normal" range if I have plugged it in. Also, it doesn't take very long at all for it to come up to its ususally operating temp.........
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
My temp gage still reads cold when I first start up after having it plugged in. It cranks over faster, warms up sooner when it has been plugged in. When you slowly plug or unplug yours do you see a arc inside the female end of the electrical connection? If so it is working.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: North Idaho
My truck didn't come w/ a block heater, so I installed one. Don't remember if it's 1000W or 1500W, but I can actually hear it working. If I plug it in at night after getting home, the block is quite warm to the touch in the morning (20 - 25 degrees out). I normally only use the heater for about 2 hours before I plan to start it, and, while it does start easier, it still takes awhile to get any heat.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks Alaska
Think about this. A water temp gauge starts reading at about 140. (give or take some). There is no way a block heater can make that much temp through the entire block to give indication. Though it will indicated that much sooner since the engine does not have to bring it up from so far down.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
From: Robbinsville NJ
I thought the stock ford heater was an oil heater and not water. If I'm correct the water temp gauge would not move on initial start.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
It is a coolant heater on the PSD. It looks like it goes into the oil filter housing but if you don't believe me just unscrew it and coolant NOT oil will come out. Due to the location of the heater some heat will radiate to the oil but most of it will warm the coolant. It will not read on the temperature gauge since the element doesn't warm the coolant enough to register but it does help. When the engine is cold and you first plug it in listen real close and you can hear the coolant start to bubble by the heater.