Block Heater Usage ?'s
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Block Heater Usage ?'s
I was wondering when it's appropriate to use a block heater. Some useful info: I live in Colorado (near Denver) where the average morning temp in the winter is between 15-35 degrees, with occasional drops to sub zero (espeically this year). Also useful info is that (as per Ford's recomendation) I run 5W-20 full synthetic.
My question is: Is it bad (i.e. cause damage to the engine, etc.) to use the block heater if it's not cold? The reverse of this is, is it worth the expense (in electricity) to use the block heater if the engine starts ok in the morning regardless? Does it reduce engine wear at startup?
Also, the manual states that it is ok to plug it in overnight. Is this correct? I considered buying a timer, but I might end up using the block heater only occasionally, so a timer in that case would be not worth it.
Any info would be appreciated!
Paraniod New Owner,
MilesTeg
My question is: Is it bad (i.e. cause damage to the engine, etc.) to use the block heater if it's not cold? The reverse of this is, is it worth the expense (in electricity) to use the block heater if the engine starts ok in the morning regardless? Does it reduce engine wear at startup?
Also, the manual states that it is ok to plug it in overnight. Is this correct? I considered buying a timer, but I might end up using the block heater only occasionally, so a timer in that case would be not worth it.
Any info would be appreciated!
Paraniod New Owner,
MilesTeg
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 262
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It is fine to run it anytime you want. It won't get it so hot to wreck anything (unless it catches on fire, which I saw once), and I always ran my dodge/mitsubishi overnight to help startup. Less wear and easire starting.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
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From: Chicago Area
The other advantage, not usually considered, to a block heater is that it lowers the amount of water from condensation contaminating your oil. You'd have to keep it plugged in though.
Here in Chicago, I plug mine in when home for the night whenever they're predicting temperatures below 20. I now use the Motorcraft 5W20 blend.
Here in Chicago, I plug mine in when home for the night whenever they're predicting temperatures below 20. I now use the Motorcraft 5W20 blend.
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