Plugging In, Counting The Costs ($$$)
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From: Utopia
I think I'm gonna buy the cord for my AZ truck. The 04 started better. I'll et the block heater just to avoid the poor start up in the winter. Plus elec is cheaper than fuel these days...the trucks burn a lot of fuel when cold.
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Originally Posted by spindrift
The other option is to just let it warm up for 30 secs and go easy until I arrive on-scene.
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From: Schwenksville,Pa
I installed an adhesive backed 200 watt electric oil pan heater spliced into the block heater cord. I tested it before I installed it and I couldn't touch it after about 3 seconds, it was very hot. Be sure to check the size of the adhesive pad before you buy because our oilpans don't have a large flat area on the bottom. I have mine on a timer from 3-7am and the truck purrs nicely when started.
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From: W. Philly Burbs
i have to say i havent plugged my truck in yet this winter here in pennsylvania, but last year with the tuner in i had it plugged in and on some mornings she barely started. So far this year we have had some cold nites (into the teens) and i havent plugged it in.....starts up fine, just smokes till it clears out (30 seconds max).
The only thing different is that my tuner isnt installed......same oil and a different "factory tune" from the latest reflash.
But i never noticed a difference on my temp guage on the instrument panel last year when i had it plugged it.....anyone know of a test to make sure its working?
The only thing different is that my tuner isnt installed......same oil and a different "factory tune" from the latest reflash.
But i never noticed a difference on my temp guage on the instrument panel last year when i had it plugged it.....anyone know of a test to make sure its working?
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My heater lifts my stock temp gauge off the C mark. When its 10 F, you start the engine w/o the heater plugged in and it sounds like those pistons are going to come through the block. When the heater is plugged in, it sounds like I just jumped out of it 10 mins ago from an hour drive. It is a marked difference. I wonder if yours might not be working. There is always the 'ol feel test.
Another rather sobering test is to have your wife plug the heater in and unplug it repeatedly while you watch the watt meter on the side of your house spin very fast (due to the 1000 watt draw of the heater).
Spindrift
Another rather sobering test is to have your wife plug the heater in and unplug it repeatedly while you watch the watt meter on the side of your house spin very fast (due to the 1000 watt draw of the heater).
Spindrift
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From: Frisco, TX
The other way to check it out if you don't have an ammeter is to just use a small light duty extension cord and wait for a while to see if it is getting hot.
After about 4-5 hours on in 15-20F, the temp guage will be at the "normal" running level, but as soon as i start it, it will drop to the C line, not the 1/8" below like when its "cold".
Chris
After about 4-5 hours on in 15-20F, the temp guage will be at the "normal" running level, but as soon as i start it, it will drop to the C line, not the 1/8" below like when its "cold".
Chris
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From: Northern Utah
Originally Posted by King of the Road 04
But i never noticed a difference on my temp guage on the instrument panel last year when i had it plugged it.....anyone know of a test to make sure its working?
Or you can open the hood on a cold morning- The entire engine should be warm (if it is working).
Last edited by utahtom; Dec 6, 2005 at 10:20 PM.
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Grizz,
A man HAS to have priorities. I'll let my truck rust out before I go w/o my java in the morning!!!!!!
Really though. My coffee maker draws 1200watts and is on for 3 hours a day....that's 3.6 KWhours at .07 per, that's .25 per day for my coffee maker and $7.50 per month total. No where near the $50 mark.
Cheers,
Spindrift
A man HAS to have priorities. I'll let my truck rust out before I go w/o my java in the morning!!!!!!
Really though. My coffee maker draws 1200watts and is on for 3 hours a day....that's 3.6 KWhours at .07 per, that's .25 per day for my coffee maker and $7.50 per month total. No where near the $50 mark.
Cheers,
Spindrift
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I think Grizz was referring to the cost of stopping by the local Starbucks (or your choice of caffeine-providing establishment) every morning.
A friend of mine gave up the coffee habit after he discovered he was spending in excess of $3K/year at Starbucks. Yow.
A friend of mine gave up the coffee habit after he discovered he was spending in excess of $3K/year at Starbucks. Yow.
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Got a better idea
Originally Posted by HarveyB25
LOL I'm a firefighter too and I know this is not a option. It’s just not our nature to sit there and wait. You know it’s so hard on your truck but you have to get on on siene first! I have a remote starter that I push as soon as the pager goes off at night then I get dressed and run out side and go. This gives the truck about a minute to warm up before I get out there.fficeffice" /><O></O>
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