Block Heater
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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Block Heater
Hello all,
I'm enjoying my F250 now that the snow is falling. Does great!
I have a question about the block heater. I plugged it on once for 30 minutes and it didn't look like the engine warmed up any.
How long does everyone usually plug it in? Will it cycle on and off if I leave it plugged in all night?
How do I know it's working?
Thanks!
I'm enjoying my F250 now that the snow is falling. Does great!
I have a question about the block heater. I plugged it on once for 30 minutes and it didn't look like the engine warmed up any.
How long does everyone usually plug it in? Will it cycle on and off if I leave it plugged in all night?
How do I know it's working?
Thanks!
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
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I have mine on a timer that trips on in the morning for three hours. Our block heaters usually need at least two hours to warm up properly.
There's probably a high-tech way of making sure it works...but plug it in for a few hours and then go out and put your hand on the top of the radiator. It should feel warm.
Might want to double check your plugin to make sure it isn't cracked or freyed I had to replace my plugin last winter. Also make sure your outlet is working block heaters pull a lot of power and like to trip breakers.
There's probably a high-tech way of making sure it works...but plug it in for a few hours and then go out and put your hand on the top of the radiator. It should feel warm.
Might want to double check your plugin to make sure it isn't cracked or freyed I had to replace my plugin last winter. Also make sure your outlet is working block heaters pull a lot of power and like to trip breakers.
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PSD Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Michigan
Originally Posted by 03_PSD
how cold do you guys wait to plug it in?
Man, you'll get all kinds of answers on this one
I plug in around the 30's, to me, it's just easier on the whole system, electrical, oil, mechanical, everything. Why work things harder than need be? but that's just my opinion.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I've never plugged mine in either, but I've "only" seen temps in the upper 20s... It's currently in the mid 30s here in North Texas, but I keep mine in the garage so it doesn't really see the really cold stuff overnight. But even the few times I've left it out, it's done fine. No romps, no starting problems. no white smoke.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
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Ditto. 30's is about when I decide to plug in. Harder on the motor to run/start real cold like that.
Originally Posted by TurtleRacing
Man, you'll get all kinds of answers on this one I plug in around the 30's, to me, it's just easier on the whole system, electrical, oil, mechanical, everything. Why work things harder than need be? but that's just my opinion.
I plug in around the 30's, to me, it's just easier on the whole system, electrical, oil, mechanical, everything. Why work things harder than need be? but that's just my opinion.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
You need something that will handle at least 15 amps. Same story with your extension cord...get a heavy duty one that won't melt on ya.
I got an 18 amp heavy duty outdoor waterproof timer from Home Depot for $18. Right now is probably a good time to buy one because of the Christmas season and people need them for holiday lights and whatnot.
I got an 18 amp heavy duty outdoor waterproof timer from Home Depot for $18. Right now is probably a good time to buy one because of the Christmas season and people need them for holiday lights and whatnot.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
If it's a 1500W load, that's 12.5A at 120V so a 15A timer will work. But you can't go wrong with a HD timer -- better to have the bigger version than to push the limits on a regular one...