question about block heater
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
question about block heater
It's going to get down to double digits below zero the next couple of nights and since my wife has to get up early to go to work I though about plugging her truck in to help it warm faster and reduce stress on engine. So, is it ok to leave engine plugged in over night(8hrs) or is that too long. A friend of mine used his a couple of times and he said it caused the coolant level to drop a little, maybe due to evaporation. I've never used the block heater before on a smaller gas engine, just on heavy duty diesel engines.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Been doing it all my driving life here in Northern, Ontario with all of my vehicles. Other than a waste of hydro, there are no real ill effects.
What you could do is set yourself up a timer to come on a couple hours before you're ready to head to work...but that only works as long as you're not called in, or have to leave early for some reason.
What you could do is set yourself up a timer to come on a couple hours before you're ready to head to work...but that only works as long as you're not called in, or have to leave early for some reason.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 2
From: Berea, OH
Definitely get yourself a timer. When plugged in, it is ON only. There is no thermostat to cycle the power on and off as the block is heated. I checked the amp draw on mine from my Diesel truck and it was drawing 1200 watts. After a month of plugging it in every night and weekends my electric bill went up $89. 
From that point on I stole my Christmas tree light timer and it is now my block heater timer. Sorry Santa but there is nothing like a warm truck right at startup!
From that point on I stole my Christmas tree light timer and it is now my block heater timer. Sorry Santa but there is nothing like a warm truck right at startup!
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
x1,000 with them above
as for safety, the block heater shouldn't be getting any hotter than 100-120F. so unless it is getting 200F or hotter, there is no possible way it could affect the coolant level.
if anything, the coolant will expand to the overflow reservoir...but the natural vacuum developed in the motor once it gets hot and at operating temps should pull that fluid back into the block
I'd just check it a handful of times...but I personally think your buddy has something else going on
as for safety, the block heater shouldn't be getting any hotter than 100-120F. so unless it is getting 200F or hotter, there is no possible way it could affect the coolant level.
if anything, the coolant will expand to the overflow reservoir...but the natural vacuum developed in the motor once it gets hot and at operating temps should pull that fluid back into the block
I'd just check it a handful of times...but I personally think your buddy has something else going on
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
I use an Intermatic programmable timer for my tow truck block heater. I have it set to cycle on and off in a 15 minute on , 30 minute 0ff, cycle. Of course this is in a much milder climate than your situation. We rarely get below +30F. A a 20 on 10 off cycle may be a viable program that saves 33% of your energy cost as opposed to a constant on situation.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 313
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From: Fredericton N B Canada
Over the years I was always wondering if the cord was still plugged in - if it didn't become unplugged for some reason or if using a timer, did it kick in. What I did was buy a red pilot light and wired it to a short cord that I plugged into the block heater cord at the truck. I could look outside and see the red light on and know there was power going to the block heater.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 142
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Here in Northwest MN, it is supposed to get -25 to -30 degrees F. tonight!! I routinely have my 2004 FX4 plugged in for 8 hours and it has never done any harm. It really helps it crank over and get up to temp much faster after being plugged in.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Bethlehem, PA
Since the heater lines running through the firewall are metal, I couldn't install an inline heater; And din't really want to hack anything apart. My truck is in a garage, But it still gets pretty cold in there. Instead of installing a block heater; I use a timer and an inline thermostat to kick on my torpedo heater that blows and warms the underside of the motor, But also warms my garage for me about a 1/2 hr before I leave for work. It does a nice job and the truck makes heat a lot faster.
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