cold climate starts

[Patty]

Question for those of you that routinely use your block heater. I usually park in my garage which I keep at about 50*F (if not working in there) and when I turn the key on the "wait to start" light takes what seems like 3 - 5 seconds to go out. Last night I had to park outside and it got down to -10*F so I had the truck plugged in. When I went to start it this morning using my factory remote starter it seemed to take only about 1 second before it was cranking. I don't park outside very often and I'm not sure if the same timing would occur if I didn't use the remote start. Is this normal since I had it plugged in? Does plugging it in heat something else besides the coolant in the block? I'm thinking that if it wasn't plugged in it would have taken longer for the "wait to start" light to go out, but of course I'm plugging it in if possible. Thanks.

 

[Wygate]

When using the remote, the computer will not start the eng until pre programed parameters are met, it will also ramp up the RPMs when 39 degree F or colder. That said the block heater heats the coolant, thus keeping the block warm, the 4th Gen really seems to put out some heat, my 12 seams to be warmer than my 09 ever was.
Hope that helps some.

 

[S.Morris]

My block heater(factory) will raise the coolant temp 90F from what ever ambient is as long as not in the wind. If I plug it in in the shop at 40F there is no wait to start with coolant temp at 135.

 

[BIGNASTY]

My block heater(factory) will raise the coolant temp 90F from what ever ambient is as long as not in the wind. If I plug it in in the shop at 40F there is no wait to start with coolant temp at 135.

Wow!!!! I have a block heater on mine but dont use it, I have an Espar but Im impressed that the factory block heater gets and keeps it that warm GOOD INFO

 

[AH64ID]

I believe the parameter for grid heater operation is 66°F and below in the intake manifold, a block heater will keep the intake air above that temp when plugged in overnight. In -8° last week my coolant was between 88-93° the next morning, with a fully closed winter front.

 

[Wayne M.]

My cord is still wrapped up behind the bumper. Ford guys and gasser sissys just shake their heads when mine lights off.

 

[Patty]

Thanks Guys great feedback. I even had it plugged in with a timer to come on at 3:00 and I started it at 8:00 so apparently 4 or 5 hours is enough to warm it enough to almost eliminate grid heater operation, as I said it only took about a second before it was cranking. I did have the factory winter front on and fully closed as well. I guess I didn't expect simply plugging it in to reduce the grid heater operation that much. Next time it's outside I'll go out to start it and check the coolant temp first, and then witness the amount of time the grid heater is on before the light goes out. Great set up.



We have some -22*F nights coming up in the next few days so no shortage of cold weather here! Again thanks for your feedback.

 

[Patty]

My cord is still wrapped up behind the bumper. Ford guys and gasser sissys just shake their heads when mine lights off.

You sound like my Dad who was up here at Christmas and on Boxing Day when they left it was -31*F without the windchill and he never plugged his Duramax in. Despite that I had left a cord out for him, he just wanted to see if it would start, which it did... but it doesn't make it right! I felt sorry for that engine.

 

[AH64ID]

I have never had an issue starting my truck in well below 0° temps when unplugged, it just takes so friggin long to get warm that I plug it in for my comfort.

But yeah, Ford guys don't understand how it starts.

 

[TTimmons]

Forgive my stupid question, but is it ok to start the truck while the heater cable is still plugged in to house power? I was always paranoid about that.

 

[AH64ID]

I have never had an issue doing so. I start the truck, unplug, and drive away.

 

[TTimmons]

Good info! Thx!

 

[DonFitzwater]

Forgive my stupid question, but is it ok to start the truck while the heater cable is still plugged in to house power? I was always paranoid about that.

According to all the block heater manufacturers that is the top reason for failure of the element.

 

[kkelley]

Ummmm..... I'm sorry, but starting the engine while the block heater is plugged in couldn't possibly harm the element. It is not part of the vehicles electrical system. The biggest reason for unplugging before you start is so you don't rip off the end of the cord, or damage the outlet pulling the extension cord out.

 

[DonFitzwater]

http://www.fivestarmanufacturing.co...e9387fa/Common_Failure___Troubleshooting_Tips

Ummmmmmm, I'm sorry too. You'll need to read this and get back to me.

 

[mwilson]

http://www.fivestarmanufacturing.co...e9387fa/Common_Failure___Troubleshooting_Tips



Ummmmmmm, I'm sorry too. You'll need to read this and get back to me.

This as well, lifted from the 2012 Phillips Temro (Zero Start) catalog. Don't run the engine with the block heater plugged in, BAD JU JU.

Mike.

 

[kkelley]

Sorry, not buying it. These are from the manufacturers so they can cover their arse. The engine has no more vibration at start up than driving a bumpy road. Also, as far as overheating, the elements see higher temps in a hot engine pulling a grade in the summer than they would by leaving it plugged in for a couple minutes, heck the radiator has much more cooling capacity than the heater has heating capacity. And what kind of cooling system do those guys test where it will cause and air pocket around the heater?
Honestly, I'm not trying to be a prick about this, it's just one of those things that so many people preach as gospel, but actual use has proved otherwise. I can't even count how many people I know that have block heaters, I have owned two diesels with them now, and both have been started with it plugged in and unplugged. Many of the guys at work will leave there vehicle plugged in while warming up before we leave so they have a cozy 5 mile drive home. You are free to do as you wish, and the original poster with the question can choose how they want to do things. I just don't want to see this guy get scared into beliving that if he forgets to unplug it, it's going to be a $300 visit to the shop for a replacement. Many cars are started with block heaters still plugged in, and they work just fine. They are pretty durable pieces, no complex circuitry, and built for the environment they are installed in. Personally I like to unplug it so I don't forget when I drive off, and would suggest that, however, I have experience that shows no ill effect if left plugged in.

 

[NIsaacs]

he just wanted to see if it would start, which it did... but it doesn't make it right! I felt sorry for that engine.

I agree, if my truck is a sissy because I plug it in, so be it.....



Nick

 

[rscurtis]

One of the hazards of starting (or even touching) a vehicle with an energized block heater is the possibility that you could become the ground if there is an electrical fault.

 

[mwilson]

Sorry, not buying it. These are from the manufacturers so they can cover their arse. The engine has no more vibration at start up than driving a bumpy road. Also, as far as overheating, the elements see higher temps in a hot engine pulling a grade in the summer than they would by leaving it plugged in for a couple minutes, heck the radiator has much more cooling capacity than the heater has heating capacity. And what kind of cooling system do those guys test where it will cause and air pocket around the heater?

Honestly, I'm not trying to be a prick about this, it's just one of those things that so many people preach as gospel, but actual use has proved otherwise. I can't even count how many people I know that have block heaters, I have owned two diesels with them now, and both have been started with it plugged in and unplugged. Many of the guys at work will leave there vehicle plugged in while warming up before we leave so they have a cozy 5 mile drive home. You are free to do as you wish, and the original poster with the question can choose how they want to do things. I just don't want to see this guy get scared into beliving that if he forgets to unplug it, it's going to be a $300 visit to the shop for a replacement. Many cars are started with block heaters still plugged in, and they work just fine. They are pretty durable pieces, no complex circuitry, and built for the environment they are installed in. Personally I like to unplug it so I don't forget when I drive off, and would suggest that, however, I have experience that shows no ill effect if left plugged in.

People are welcome to do as they wish and may get away with leaving the block heater plugged in while warming the truck up. Like that 750 watt coffee cup heater is any match for 3+ gallons of cold coolant circulating at 100 miles per hour.

Maybe the B block is not prone to bubbles and that is why folks are getting away with it.



All I can tell you is I have changed and sold many frost plug style block heaters. When there is a hole blown out the side of the element it is a direct result of an air pocket. Ask the customer if he has been leaving it plugged in while starting the engine and he will mutter out a yes.

Granted I am dealing with bigger engines and higher wattage heaters but it does happen and it is not simply hype from the block heater folk.

And in fairness improperly mixed coolant or low coolant can cause it as well.



If one chooses to ignore that fact and play the Ouija board go ahead, it may never bother. But then again it just might.



I would rather unplug the truck first and not take the chance. JMHO.



Mike.