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block heaters

Drago

Drago

Active Member
Messages
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196
Location
Virginia
While changing the shocks on my 3500 I found the cord for the block heater all wrapped up nice and neat like it's never been used, the same for my 1500. I live in the tropical part of Virginia, at what temp should I consider plugging it in and about how many watts or amps does it draw? I want to make sure I get the correct size ext cord and timer for it.
 
Well in that case, no need to unwrap it unless we roll into another ice age. we do see those temps but not very often. Got down to twenty seven and she protested a bit but smoothed right out
 
Agree that this section of the continent does not really get close enough to needing the block heater more than once or twice every few years. Even with not needing a pre warm, all of my diesels prefer a little heat when it gets under 40F, so the Burb gets ~2 hours of heater time if the thermostat goes under 40F; again, not necessary, but for ~10 cents worth of electricity the 6.5 does a lot less rattling until warm.
 
My girl hated sub 25 degrees until I got the tune that extended the glow time. Now she will start at those temps without being plugged in. I usually plug in sub 25 when I remember. I have it on a heavy duty timer and loop the cord over my drivers mirror so I remember to unplug. Makes her a little happier.

I figure it is like my old dog... sure, he doesn't need that mattress he sleeps on, but he has given me a lot of good years and is worth a little love.
 
We get a little cold here. I plug her in if it dips down to freezing. Not necesary,but, a little love none the less :)


:thumbsup:
chefmike said:
My girl hated sub 25 degrees until I got the tune that extended the glow time. Now she will start at those temps without being plugged in. I usually plug in sub 25 when I remember. I have it on a heavy duty timer and loop the cord over my drivers mirror so I remember to unplug. Makes her a little happier.

I figure it is like my old dog... sure, he doesn't need that mattress he sleeps on, but he has given me a lot of good years and is worth a little love.
Click to expand...
 
I plug in for at least 30 minutes before I have to leave in cold temps. I'll go out and plug her in before I shower and have coffee just to be sure she gets the warmth that she wants. The other morning I went out and could hear the heater making noise like an old electric water heater. It was just heating away. Umpluggered her and she fired like it was a warm summer morning.
 
I usually won't plug in until 10 degrees or lower. Then only for 10 or 15 minutes, after it didn't start. Below zero, I will plug it in before trying to start.
 
I like to plug my trucks in anytime I think I'll need heat in the morning. nothing like walking out to the parking lot, seeing every car covered with fog or ice except for my rig... ahh warm heat the instant my truck starts.
yeah, it's easier on the starter too...
 
well I put mine on a timer to start one hour before crank time at 515am, I'll let you guys know if it makes a dif in warm up time and comfort.
 
It's been cold overnight, I've been plugging in and it makes a significant difference, warm up time is a lot faster and starts easier. I'll continue using it until the freezing temps go away.
 
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