Block Heater
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
I would tend to think that this practice could lead to problems. The block heater is essentially just like an electric water heater. It is an element that is submerged in water, or in this case, coolant. If you took a standard electric water heater and disabled the thermostat to where the element stayed on all the time, eventually the water in the tank would either begin to boil, the element itself would burn away, or the breaker on the circuit would blow from thermal overload. What would be different here? I guess my question would be, "Why would you want to?" I find that on my truck, just plugging it in for an hour or two is more than enough to warm up the engine and insure a quick start. If nothing else, then I would put a HEAVY DUTY timer on it and run it for no more than 3 hours at a time, preferably before you are going to start it. Just my opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
I wasn't saying that leaving it plugged in all the time would definetly lead to problems, just that it could. For one, I would think that this practice would have to shorten the heating element's life. I suppose that if I were in a situation where I had to make sure it started at 6 am and I knew it was going to be 15 degrees outside and I didn't have a timer available and I couldn't get up 2 hours early and......
Well, you get the picture, then I would leave it plugged in. But, since I have other options available to me, then I choose to only plug in a few hours before I am planning to start it.
Well, you get the picture, then I would leave it plugged in. But, since I have other options available to me, then I choose to only plug in a few hours before I am planning to start it.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
No big deal at all. From what I've read on here, the heater is around 1500 watts. So, if you take 1500 and divide by 120 (volts), it comes to 12.5 (amps). Most of the lamp timers I've seen at places like Home Depot or Lowe's are only rated for 600 watt loads. So, you need to get one that is rated to at least 12 amps. 15 amp rating is better. It should run you about 20 dollars or so. Then, just set it to come on 2 or 3 hours prior to when your getting off shift and all should be well. It just plugs in between your extension cord and the receptacle. As an added bonus, you will sleep much better at night knowing that you are doing your part to save the taxpayers some money that would have otherwise just been used in wasted electricity!! 
Last edited by BigRed350; Jan 17, 2005 at 11:31 PM. Reason: misspelling
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Chicago suburbs
I have been running my timer for about 3 hours before I leave for work, but since its been getting down to 0* or lower, I have been finding that its harder to start. I increased the timer to 4 hours and it starts up with no problems. I think I am going to leave it this way (4 hrs) from now on.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Originally Posted by 2cylguy
I have timers in my home for our window a/c units and these are heavy duty timers. I would think they would work. Thanks for the quick replies.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Originally Posted by kawika
I have been running my timer for about 3 hours before I leave for work, but since its been getting down to 0* or lower, I have been finding that its harder to start. I increased the timer to 4 hours and it starts up with no problems. I think I am going to leave it this way (4 hrs) from now on.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Vampiro
General NON-Automotive Conversation
12
Jul 5, 2002 07:39 PM