Engine block heater
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Engine block heater
I plugged in my truck just for fun last night since is was forcasted to get near freezing. When I started the truck this morning, the engine temp gauge was just above the cold mark. Is this normal?
I would also like some recommendations for using the block heater. I was guessing on using it when the temperatures dropped below 25°F but is this really necessary? Also, should I let the truck plugged in overnight or just an hour or two before I plan to start it. Any other recommendations would be appreciated.
I would also like some recommendations for using the block heater. I was guessing on using it when the temperatures dropped below 25°F but is this really necessary? Also, should I let the truck plugged in overnight or just an hour or two before I plan to start it. Any other recommendations would be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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Not that I am an expert, but I'll tell what I've read 
any more than 3 hours and you're just using electricity...
the diesel block is one substantial piece of metal and the block heater can't warm it ALL up
I would think plugging in is not necessary until below zero....
Now, as a matter of convenience and warmth for YOU, that's your call ....
any more than 3 hours and you're just using electricity...
the diesel block is one substantial piece of metal and the block heater can't warm it ALL up
I would think plugging in is not necessary until below zero....
Now, as a matter of convenience and warmth for YOU, that's your call ....
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Great State of Texas
A buddy of mine here in Dallas plugs his 7.3 in as soon as overnight temps hit 40 F. He is cold natured an does it purely to shorten warm up time for in-cab heat. 
Speaking of heaters though, does anyone know how many amps these block heaters pull?
Speaking of heaters though, does anyone know how many amps these block heaters pull?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 172
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iceman - not sure exactly where you are located, but I am in NE SD for at least most of the winter and temps are regularly well below 0 F. I typically plug the truck in anytime it is going to be below 30 just because I think it runs better after being plugged in.
I have a timer that comes on for 3 hours each morning and that is enough to bring the temp just below the C mark. As others stated leaving it plugged in all night doesn't make it any warmer.
I have a timer that comes on for 3 hours each morning and that is enough to bring the temp just below the C mark. As others stated leaving it plugged in all night doesn't make it any warmer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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The heater is 1000 or 1500 watts ?...
Ohm's law I = W/V (Current = Watts/Volts)
1000/110 = 9 amps or so....
1500/110 = 13.6 amps or so...
so a christmas light timer should work for it
And always hang the cord over your DRIVERS side mirror so u won't drive off without unplugging
Ohm's law I = W/V (Current = Watts/Volts)
1000/110 = 9 amps or so....
1500/110 = 13.6 amps or so...
so a christmas light timer should work for it
And always hang the cord over your DRIVERS side mirror so u won't drive off without unplugging
Last edited by jdadamsjr; Oct 18, 2004 at 03:26 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
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From: Great State of Texas
Thanks JD for the info. Thinking of an electronic automatic timing device is perzactly why I asked.
And BTW...to your point...
And always hang the cord over your DRIVERS side mirror so u won't drive off without unplugging
...That would definitley be me on a preoccupied morning. Which, with teenage daughters, I often have preoccupied, Twilight Zone type mornings. If you know what I mean.
And BTW...to your point...
And always hang the cord over your DRIVERS side mirror so u won't drive off without unplugging
...That would definitley be me on a preoccupied morning. Which, with teenage daughters, I often have preoccupied, Twilight Zone type mornings. If you know what I mean.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
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From: 3rd Rock
WOW that is way smart, never could figure out how to get a cord long enough to get my groceries…or even out of the driveway….go figure
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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and I'll bet that's why some install the marinco marine type plug IN the front bumper so WHEN you back out it gets pulled straight out
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From: NW Montana
Iceman,
Went through last winter with several days -30 deg F to -40 deg F (not wind chill) and weeks where it never got above +30 deg. I found that my '02 needed to be plugged in at +20 deg or lower. I could REALLY tell the difference with the way it turned over if I forgot, reallllllly slow vs normal. Also, the news regularly had their "car guy" on TV and he constantly suggested below +20 to plug in. I left it plugged in all night and not on a timer to reduce failure points and I was concerned the timer would freeze. Maybe too careful but what the heck, it didn't raise my power bill that much.
Went through last winter with several days -30 deg F to -40 deg F (not wind chill) and weeks where it never got above +30 deg. I found that my '02 needed to be plugged in at +20 deg or lower. I could REALLY tell the difference with the way it turned over if I forgot, reallllllly slow vs normal. Also, the news regularly had their "car guy" on TV and he constantly suggested below +20 to plug in. I left it plugged in all night and not on a timer to reduce failure points and I was concerned the timer would freeze. Maybe too careful but what the heck, it didn't raise my power bill that much.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 491
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From: Fort Fun
I plug mine in if I think it is going to be "too cold". What exactly is that? Who knows. I just plug it in as I see fit. I may be plugging it in when I really don't need to but I don't mind the extra juice. Heck, I have a truck that has 300+ hp and 560+ lb/ft of torque which I don't use all that often. I guess I am kind of given to a little bit of excess.
Seriously, I have my truck plugged in now on a 3 hour timer and the OAT is 48 deg. The biggest reason is that my rig is really cold blooded and I want to give it every benefit I can in the morning. I don't drive crazy until I know that the temps are up but sometime I need to make sure there is some GO there when pulling out of my subdivision. It seems that my truck really doesn't like to go if I start it cold (no block heater) when the temps fall below 35 or so.
Seriously, I have my truck plugged in now on a 3 hour timer and the OAT is 48 deg. The biggest reason is that my rig is really cold blooded and I want to give it every benefit I can in the morning. I don't drive crazy until I know that the temps are up but sometime I need to make sure there is some GO there when pulling out of my subdivision. It seems that my truck really doesn't like to go if I start it cold (no block heater) when the temps fall below 35 or so.
Senior User
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From: New Joisey
What do you do when you get to work in the morning and leave the truck sit all day? Say you get to work at 6 am, don't leave until 6 pm, and it is 20*F or colder all day and snowing. Most of us can't plug in while at work. Would you chance it or start it some time during the day? I would figure that starting it some time during the day wouldn't do anything because it would just cool down again to ambient temperature rather quickly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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Unless it it below zero for HOURS at a time, u shouldn't have a problem...
once warmed up, this HEAVY thick block needed for the 3000 psi pressures stays warm for a while....
If it's a real issue for you, maybe get a remote starter with a long range and two way so u know it's started and stopped...
and real enterprising souls have gone to the extremes of putting a timer to start every 4 hours or so....
OR, leave it idling all day nice and toasty when you get back in it
once warmed up, this HEAVY thick block needed for the 3000 psi pressures stays warm for a while....
If it's a real issue for you, maybe get a remote starter with a long range and two way so u know it's started and stopped...
and real enterprising souls have gone to the extremes of putting a timer to start every 4 hours or so....
OR, leave it idling all day
nice and toasty when you get back in it
Last edited by jdadamsjr; Oct 19, 2004 at 07:11 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: USA
The owners manual for my 04 says to plug it in when the temp drops below 10 deg F. I live in South MS where we barely see those temps ever, and my PSD stays parked in my garage, which is warmer than the outside air due to radiated heat from the house. Plus, I usually only drive my PSD on the weekends, because my job requires me to drive my Crown Vic PI (hint hint) as a daily driver. I guess maybe some time this winter I'll plug it in just for the heck of it.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
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From: Hendersonville, NC
For the past week or so I have started using mine...
I plug it in as soon as I return home and park in the garage (with motor still hot); when I get in the next morning, the temp gauge is exactly where I left it the day before...gets rid of the cold clanks (mine has BAD case of that for some reason, it sounds like CRAP in the mornings ) and just all around sounds and runs better. I am switching my parking spot at school over three stops closer the light pole in the back parking lot which has a recepticle on it It is going to stay plugged in any time it is not running until the average ambient temps get above 65 again...probably around april or may.
It is worth it to me to keep it plugged in and not have to warm it up in the mornings for more than 1/2 mile down my road before I start burying the throttle as usual
If you plug it in while it is still warm, it will stay right where you left it on the temp gauge...
I plug it in as soon as I return home and park in the garage (with motor still hot); when I get in the next morning, the temp gauge is exactly where I left it the day before...gets rid of the cold clanks (mine has BAD case of that for some reason, it sounds like CRAP in the mornings
) and just all around sounds and runs better. I am switching my parking spot at school over three stops closer the light pole in the back parking lot which has a recepticle on it It is going to stay plugged in any time it is not running until the average ambient temps get above 65 again...probably around april or may.It is worth it to me to keep it plugged in and not have to warm it up in the mornings for more than 1/2 mile down my road before I start burying the throttle as usual
If you plug it in while it is still warm, it will stay right where you left it on the temp gauge...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
Maybe this "winter" I'll get around to looking for the plug. Then I'll keep an eye on the weather just in case any sub 50 deg nights are predicted and give it a try then
And for those who think it never rains in Southern California, it finally rained this Sunday for the first time in 187 days.
And for those who think it never rains in Southern California, it finally rained this Sunday for the first time in 187 days.