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How long can I run my block heater?

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Old 12-03-2009, 01:12 PM
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How long can I run my block heater?

How long can I leave my block heater plugged in for with out adverse effects? Can I leave it all night?
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 01:27 PM
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Was wondering this as well. And also does anyone know how much power it draws?
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 01:29 PM
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I have read that most block heaters draw 1000W.
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 01:54 PM
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I keep my truck plugged in aaaaalllllll night long! I have been doing EVERY season for the last 4? years?
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 02:20 PM
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I don't think theres a limit to how long you can keep em plugged in as long as theres plenty of fluid to keep the element submerged. Here at work I have 3 cummins diesel generators that get plugged in the 1st of September and stay plugged in till the 1st of May and have never had any problems other than one did give out but it's been on the engine since 1988. All fluids get tested twice anually and all 3 get run for about an hour every monday.
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 03:14 PM
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Thats what I needed to know. Thanks
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 03:58 PM
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I've tried different times and 3 hours is about all you need. Any more and no additional benefit. Have mine on a timer and starts at 03:00 to 06:00.
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 04:38 PM
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Get a timer and save your electric bill,,,,,,,,, 3 hours works for me........
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Jaaaaaaackman
Get a timer and save your electric bill,,,,,,,,, 3 hours works for me........
Same here ....
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 07:42 PM
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Me three... and if I leave the controls on defrost the lower part of the windshield is clear most of the time.
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BadDogPSD
Me three... and if I leave the controls on defrost the lower part of the windshield is clear most of the time.
Exactly!!!!!
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by BadDogPSD
Me three... and if I leave the controls on defrost the lower part of the windshield is clear most of the time.
oooh, good to know as there is icy rain/snow in saturday night's forecast here!

p.s. reps sent!
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 10:03 PM
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if I know I will be driving in the morning I leave it plugged in all night.
 
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Old 12-03-2009, 10:38 PM
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Good to know. As far as electricity bill goes, I live in an apartment with all bills paid. lol... The complex probably shouldn't have done that... lol.
 
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Old 12-04-2009, 01:29 AM
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I worked at a power plant where the fire pump was a T444E. It sat with the block heater on year round for many years. I don't know for certain it's the same heater but it probably is.

Originally Posted by BadDogPSD
Me three... and if I leave the controls on defrost the lower part of the windshield is clear most of the time.
I was shocked when this happened for me the first time. I was spending the night at a ski area with my camper and they would let me plug in for $15. I left the block heater running all night and in the morning the windshield was mostly clear even though it was snowing at quite a clip.
 


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