This year in the NorthEast we've had a lot of single digit temps at night. I was wondering at what temperature I should plug in the AC line on the truck (if at all). It starts right up and has DK winter juice in it. Anyone from closer to the North Pole have advice? Thanks

 

I would just plug it in about 25 to 30 degrees. The heat in the engine would save the starter if you had to crank for any length of time. Oh, by the way, dont crank on the starter for too long a time. They are very sensitive to work. That is my 2 cents worth.

 

You could also go to lowes or home depot and pick up a heavy duty timer to work your block heater a couple hours before you go to start the engine.

 

I plug mine in when the night temps start to go under 30. I have not had a problem yet. I keep the 15W-40 oil in it, because they do not sell the 10w-30 rotella t here.

 

Thanks. I have to say it starts right up and doesn't even shudder. I have a few timers around for construction heaters that may work. I'll have to get one of those light-up cords so I remember to unplug it. I'm not very obsevant at 5AM...

 

I generally plug mine in when it goes below 15f, 3 hours prior to use. A timer is a great idea too.

 

I keep mine in a heated barn. Never below 45*F. I plug mine in for about 1/2 before I head out. I bought an oil pan heater ($25, 250 watts) and plug it in too.

Why not? Starting with 100* oil and block is better than 45*, right? Who cares if it "needs" it.

People will spend an extra $30-$40 per change for syn. oil because it flows better in cold weather. They consider it money well-spent. Cheapo dino at 100* flows better than any syn at 0*. Plugging in your PSD every night all winter for 5 years will not cost you as much as 1 syn. oil change.

Like was said above, at most, you only need 3-4 hours. Buy a HD time at Home Depot or Lowes and have it come on about 3-4 hours before you leave in the morning.

Your heater will work faster too.

 

I am with jschira - it is better for the truck so I plug it in if the temps are around 40 or below...

 

bender ... where are you located in Pa? I am in the tunkhannock area . bill

 

Just so the guys using timers to reduce costs don't think they are wasting their time - My electricity costs $.08/kwh with tax. If you plug your truck in when you get home until the next AM I'll say you average 10hrs/ night. The block heaters use 1000 watts. My cost to plug in every month would be 1 kilowatt (1000 watts) times $.08kwh times 10 hours times 30 days = $24/month

This is what I figure one synthetic oil change costs me more than regular oil. If I plugged in I would definitely use a timer.

Dan Ward

 

Bilder12, I am in your backyard, well almost- Laflin, PA.