Engine Block Heater
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Waynesboro
Engine Block Heater
Well I am finally plugging in my truck tonight because it is supposed to be pretty fricken cold tonight in Northern VA.
I have heard of some horror stories about plugging the block heater in. How many of you do it and does it help your starts in the morning if it is cold.
My X recently started putting out a lot of whit smoke in the morning when it is cold and any other time it gets cold. So I was wondering if plugging it in will help?
I have heard of some horror stories about plugging the block heater in. How many of you do it and does it help your starts in the morning if it is cold.
My X recently started putting out a lot of whit smoke in the morning when it is cold and any other time it gets cold. So I was wondering if plugging it in will help?
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Manchester, NJ
I plug my in for about 2-3 hours before i need to leave. Starts right up with the remote starter and runs so much better. Bumps up your electric bill a little bit but as many will tell you i'm sure, a timer is always a help when plugging your truck in.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
Just went out and plugged mine in, 7 degrees tonite with wind chills below zero. Like Matt said above, starts up with no problem or strain, great thing to have on these very cold days and nights. Mine smokes a little too when its cold, mostly white.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
Well I am finally plugging in my truck tonight because it is supposed to be pretty fricken cold tonight in Northern VA.
I have heard of some horror stories about plugging the block heater in. How many of you do it and does it help your starts in the morning if it is cold.
My X recently started putting out a lot of whit smoke in the morning when it is cold and any other time it gets cold. So I was wondering if plugging it in will help?
I have heard of some horror stories about plugging the block heater in. How many of you do it and does it help your starts in the morning if it is cold.
My X recently started putting out a lot of whit smoke in the morning when it is cold and any other time it gets cold. So I was wondering if plugging it in will help?
2-3 hours before launch and you'll be good. I bought a heavy duty timer from Home Depot to use for the truck. I love it.
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From: Manchester, NJ
I was leaving mine on overnight for a while. One it made my electric bill skyrocket through the roof. And two, there is no difference if i left in on over night or for two hours. Starts up and runs just the same. I felt like a fool because i went so long having it plugged in all night. Everyone on here told me it only needs to be 2-3 hours and it's the truth.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
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Senior User
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From: Waynesboro
I guy here plugged his in overnight and a fire started and he lost his truck and the garage. I don't want tht to happen.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
I was and my electric bill was high, draws alot of electric, see post below..
I just plug mine in now for an hour or two, its all it needs. I will be investing in a timer also.
I was leaving mine on overnight for a while. One it made my electric bill skyrocket through the roof. And two, there is no difference if i left in on over night or for two hours. Starts up and runs just the same. I felt like a fool because i went so long having it plugged in all night. Everyone on here told me it only needs to be 2-3 hours and it's the truth.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Waynesboro
Gotcha. Hour to two before I launch. Sounds good. Thanks. Do you thin that will help with all of the white smoke during cold starts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
It will help a little, even with the fuel heater the fuel is still very cold and with the startup, its still gonna smoke a little, but a much better startup, somebody will correct me if i,m wrong.. Sorry to hear about that fellas truck, make sure your heater wire is in good shape,cracks, shaffing, plug in connections are up to par.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
Mine still smokes some even with it plugged in but it has to be around 0 before it lays down the James Bond smoke screen.
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Senior User
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From: Waynesboro
It will help a little, even with the fuel heater the fuel is still very cold and with the startup, its still gonna smoke a little, but a much better startup, somebody will correct me if i,m wrong.. Sorry to hear about that fellas truck, make sure your heater wire is in good shape,cracks, shaffing, plug in connections are up to par.
I think I might look up white smoke in the forum and see if there is another problem.
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From: Waynesboro
I think I could hide a whole army behind my smoke screen. It is pretty dense and heavy too. I think I might sell that to the military.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
Could be used as a misquito machine, jk. Mine smokes a bunch also when its cold, normal for me. I just think your not used to seeing it beings you lived in Cali, big difference in weather here. Just keep an eye on it, you'll see when the weather gets a little warmer it won't smoke as much, at least mine does anyway.