block heater ?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Carthage, IL
block heater ?
ok ive read a bit up on this but ive had my f250 ld pluged in for about 4 hours and its 20 degrees out right now and it feels just a bit warmer aroud the plug in the block but when i turn the key on it doesnt move ( the temp gauge that is) i have a ampprobe but dont know how to use it ( got it in a box of junk at a auction its a nice one though) so how do i know if its working or not
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
You won't notice the temp guage pop up just by using the block heater. You should notice that the air coming out of the defroster when you start it is not as "ice cold" as normal, and the engine will reach operating temp. faster than when it is not plugged in. The guage is just not that sensitive.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
What are most of the block heaters anyway? are they anti-freeze heaters or oil heaters?
I've thought about one for my truck if it would be of any benefit - it's not a daily driver but it does seem to take a while to warm up. Not compared to my Taurus anyway.
I've thought about one for my truck if it would be of any benefit - it's not a daily driver but it does seem to take a while to warm up. Not compared to my Taurus anyway.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Block heaters raise the temperature of the coolant. They're not meant to heat the coolant to the equivelent of the engine's operating temperature but just enough to prevent freezing. Make sure your antifreeze is up to date and use the heater on those extra cold nights. Mine is good to -30c. I put a small heater in the cab when it gets below 0c to keep the cab warm and I don't have to scrape the windshield. If it gets below -10c I may plug the engine in. Rarely gets that cold around here though!
Roy in Mission, B.C.
Roy in Mission, B.C.
