Engine block heater???
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Engine block heater???
I called my tec at the dealership today and also asked about the Engine block heater and asked if you would burn it out if plugged in over night in extreme cold weather. he said the new heaters wont burn out like the old ones, does anyone now what they did different.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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I don't know what the difference between the heaters are, but here in Minnesota I have left my truck plugged in for days at a time when it gets really cold and have had no problems whatsoever. IMO I wouldn't be worried about it.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by va_redneck
Both my old 2000 and my 2003 have them upfront under the bumber. They are tie-rapped and you need to cut the tie to get them down. I cant figure they would change the location.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Richmond NH
i have left mine on also for several days at a time no problms. dont know if i'm suppose to. but i still use it when its getting down to the 60s. starts eiser and warms up faster.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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Yep, whole web sites on finding the block heater every winter....
it's a black cord, with a black zip tie, against a black support, in a black (dark) area
I pulled my grill (real easy) and stuck my head in there before I found mine !
it's a black cord, with a black zip tie, against a black support, in a black (dark) area
I pulled my grill (real easy) and stuck my head in there before I found mine !
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Just wondering if anyone here at FTE has done the Marinco Block Heater Plug mod as described on another site.....basically a weatherproof marine outlet installed on the front bumper to make plugging in a little easier. Would like to know your experience. I bought my 250 in Feb. here in Connecticut but never had to plug her in....I'm thinking I may have to this upcoming winter though! Also, do folks just plug 'em in at nite and walk away or is there some kind of electrical timer that can be set to start the warming say 4 or 5 hours before you intend to drive in the morning?
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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95 7.3PSD - Bought an intermatic heavy duty Time-All Model TN311 at Lowe's or Home Depot for $19. Works fine but for indoor use only. Plug into outlet in garage and run a 12 ga extension cord to truck. Usually use when temps drop to freezing or below.
There's no problem with leaving heater in for extended periods if you don't use a timer and forget about it.
There's no problem with leaving heater in for extended periods if you don't use a timer and forget about it.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: California
I've plugged mine in and walked away on several instances. I had a '97 7.3 PS. I really wouldn't worry about plugging in and leaving. If you are really worried about it, go to Home Depot / Lowes and buy a GOOD, heavy duty timer and set it for about 3 hours prior to when you want to start the truck.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
Originally Posted by dieseldriver
Just wondering if anyone here at FTE has done the Marinco Block Heater Plug mod as described on another site.....basically a weatherproof marine outlet installed on the front bumper to make plugging in a little easier. Would like to know your experience. I bought my 250 in Feb. here in Connecticut but never had to plug her in....I'm thinking I may have to this upcoming winter though! Also, do folks just plug 'em in at nite and walk away or is there some kind of electrical timer that can be set to start the warming say 4 or 5 hours before you intend to drive in the morning?
Since the heater draws 1500W, I use a timer (rated for that wattage). Two hours before I leave is plenty here in Maryland. Only needed it twice last winter. I'm convinced I changed the weather along the eastern seaboard becuase I got a 4X4 and did this mod! Little snow, and mild temps.
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by mrc59
I did this mod, and it was easy. I installed in the plastic pannel right under the bumper. You'd hardly notice it. Mounted it so the flap goes up, and the hinge is on the top. That way, if it pops open, the rubber cap won't dangle down and rip off in the wind. Use care sealing off the wires that enter the back of the unit. I used silicone and the rubberized electricaly tape. The tape is the stuff you use to wrap a service line. The vinyl stuff will deterioriate over time.
Since the heater draws 1500W, I use a timer (rated for that wattage). Two hours before I leave is plenty here in Maryland. Only needed it twice last winter. I'm convinced I changed the weather along the eastern seaboard becuase I got a 4X4 and did this mod! Little snow, and mild temps.
Since the heater draws 1500W, I use a timer (rated for that wattage). Two hours before I leave is plenty here in Maryland. Only needed it twice last winter. I'm convinced I changed the weather along the eastern seaboard becuase I got a 4X4 and did this mod! Little snow, and mild temps.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
OK...cool we need some help out here..... somewhere around late Feb 05.......could you do a rain dance for NM
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by mrc59
Can't you all just plan to recoat your blacktop driveways the same week you reroof the house? It works for me!
it is funny how it works that way