plug in??
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New User
Joined: Nov 2009
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plug in??
at what low temps do you guys/gals usually plug in your block heater? with the amount of amps it draws, just wondering when it becomes prudent. A few guys I know have theirs on a timer, but with our unusually cold temps lately, 3 hours isn't cutting it for them. factoring in oil weight, outside temps, blah blah blah. just trying to get an idea is all. thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
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From: Kearney, Nebr
I run 15W40 and no matter what temp it is 3 hours will be enough for it to start and run smooth.
I believe the engine block heater draws about 1200W an hour.
Make sure your glow plug system is operating up to par.
I believe the engine block heater draws about 1200W an hour.
Make sure your glow plug system is operating up to par.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Our overnight low was around -5 to -8 and 'warmed' up to about -2 when I started her this morning. Started up pretty well, too. In all fairness, I did find a loose positive battery cable the other day, so I think the batteries are charging better, too after tightening the cable.
We're expecting the same temps for the overnight low, so I plugged her in just to have heat sooner.
I use a timer, too, but since I replaced the block heater, the GPs and GPR, I'm tripping the circuit breaker. I used to have the timer come on four hours before I was ready to leave and that worked out pretty good. I'm not using the timer now. If your truck is starting without any complaints, I wouldn't worry about it, otherwise, plug her in and she'll be ready the next morning.
We're expecting the same temps for the overnight low, so I plugged her in just to have heat sooner.
I use a timer, too, but since I replaced the block heater, the GPs and GPR, I'm tripping the circuit breaker. I used to have the timer come on four hours before I was ready to leave and that worked out pretty good. I'm not using the timer now. If your truck is starting without any complaints, I wouldn't worry about it, otherwise, plug her in and she'll be ready the next morning.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
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5w-40 over here, since i bought hte truck in may, hell ive been plugging in in even when it was in the 40s andd 50s! ha but its snowing like a mother right now! easily in the high 20s, didnt plug it in
and my injector seals are bad, took a good 5 trys to get it going, but it cranked over like it was 80°f outside, love that oil
and my injector seals are bad, took a good 5 trys to get it going, but it cranked over like it was 80°f outside, love that oil
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,129
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From: Brandon, MB
Well, it hit -35 last night. With the windchill...-45. Mind you, I took the car to work this morning, but tomorrow, I take the PSD. I plugged her in this evening. Not worth the possibility of not starting. When it hits -10, I plug in if I plan to use the truck. She may go without, but why be hard on my ol' girl.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Avilla, IN
When my gp were bad, anything less than 30 F and forget it starting if I didn't plug it in.
So far now with the new gp its starts very very easy. I did plug it in tonight though. It is supposed to be 13 F in the morning and I want to be sure it would start and have heat since my thermostat is stuck open.
So far now with the new gp its starts very very easy. I did plug it in tonight though. It is supposed to be 13 F in the morning and I want to be sure it would start and have heat since my thermostat is stuck open.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 921
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
I usually plug it in if its going to be 40* or less. That means its plugged in all the time when Im at home or work lately. It was -17 last night -40 windchill and depending on where you are the windchill is supposed to be -50 tonight. Personally I think these temps are low enough to justify plugging it in.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
When my gp were bad, anything less than 30 F and forget it starting if I didn't plug it in.
So far now with the new gp its starts very very easy. I did plug it in tonight though. It is supposed to be 13 F in the morning and I want to be sure it would start and have heat since my thermostat is stuck open.
So far now with the new gp its starts very very easy. I did plug it in tonight though. It is supposed to be 13 F in the morning and I want to be sure it would start and have heat since my thermostat is stuck open.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,014
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From: Long Island, NY
Well, it hit -35 last night. With the windchill...-45. Mind you, I took the car to work this morning, but tomorrow, I take the PSD. I plugged her in this evening. Not worth the possibility of not starting. When it hits -10, I plug in if I plan to use the truck. She may go without, but why be hard on my ol' girl.
-35!! -45!! Wow thats nuts. Its in the thirtys in the morning around here and I am frezzing my butt off! The next time you start your truck you might want to point it South and keep on going.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: North East Ohio
A quick reminder to those that plug in.
Crank your HVAC controls to DEFROST, and when the block heater is plugged in, the hot water/air in the system rises and blows across your windshield naturally and keeps it from freezing.
Crank your HVAC controls to DEFROST, and when the block heater is plugged in, the hot water/air in the system rises and blows across your windshield naturally and keeps it from freezing.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Brandon, MB
Good point Jim. Scatgo, I may be heading south next winter for a bit, but this is just how it goes up here. What really bites is when I have to work night shift on those nights. This coming weekend for instance.......