Remote start while plugged in...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
That is a good one to ask. I don't have a remote start but I always wondered if it was safe to do so. I have never done it because I don't want the motor do dump cold oil on the hot element and crack it. I don't think I would do so but that is just my opinion.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
That is a good one to ask. I don't have a remote start but I always wondered if it was safe to do so. I have never done it because I don't want the motor do dump cold oil on the hot element and crack it. I don't think I would do so but that is just my opinion.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Ok well i assumed that because the power cord when into the side of the block that it would heat the oil not the coolant.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Albuquerque
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Mass
the block heater heats the coolant-which in turn heats the block-which then warms the oil.
i've been starting my while plugged in for 2 years. i live in the 2nd floor apt and this comes in quiet handy.
i've been starting my while plugged in for 2 years. i live in the 2nd floor apt and this comes in quiet handy.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Ya well he was wondering if it would hurt the block heater if you were to start it while it was plugged in.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
That is a good one to ask. I don't have a remote start but I always wondered if it was safe to do so. I have never done it because I don't want the motor do dump cold oil on the hot element and crack it. I don't think I would do so but that is just my opinion.
Cool it off first?
Block heaters heat up the water , which eventually heats up the whole block.
Not lots but enough you can feel the block is warm on cold days.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Nope it doesnt shut off.
Its such a low heat you could leave it plugged in forever and it wouldnt hurt anything.
If you left it plugged in long enough it might give you some coolant lose.
Its such a low heat you could leave it plugged in forever and it wouldnt hurt anything.
If you left it plugged in long enough it might give you some coolant lose.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
I can definitely see how that could be misleading. The block heater is basically a heating element that goes in place of a freeze plug. The cold coolant coming from the radiator will need to travel through the block before reaching the warm element. Which should pick up a little heat on it way. It is a 1500w element without a thermostat but doesn't get the coolant hot enough to cause damage.