Adding tank type engine heater.

[JVantreese]

My Dodge was not equipped with a OEM block heater. The truck lives parked in the driveway as my garage is filled with one Jeep and allot of tools, camping gear, etc. Last winter I had no problem in starting the cummings but did not enjoy the 20 minutes or so it takes for the engine to warm up enough to blow some really hot air on the frosty windshield. I am thinking I would like to add a tank type heater so that I could start the day in a warm truck. Has anyone added this type of heater and if so what wattage did you use and where did you splice into the heater hose.

 

[rbattelle]

My Dodge was not equipped with a OEM block heater.

Yes it was!! The heater is there, the thieves at a certain major automaker (who shall go unnamed) decided that if you want to get the power cord for it you have to spec the block heater option. Otherwise, the heater is still there but they don't give you a heater cord. You can obtain one either from the aforementioned automaker, or direct from Cummins.



All the engines come with the heater from Cummins.



-Ryan

 

[bmoeller]

The block heater should be there. The cord is optional.



FYI, it Cummins, not Cummings.

 

[rbattelle]

Here's a good thread about it.



-Ryan

 

[JVantreese]

Yes it was!! The heater is there, the thieves at a certain major automaker (who shall go unnamed) decided that if you want to get the power cord for it you have to spec the block heater option. Otherwise, the heater is still there but they don't give you a heater cord. You can obtain one either from the aforementioned automaker, or direct from Cummins.



All the engines come with the heater from Cummins.



-Ryan

OK... so thats why I have not found earlier post on this subject. Do you have any idea of the cost for this oem cord? How well does the block heater seem to work? On 0 to 15 degrees night, do you plug in for the entire night or just for an hour or two before you crank it up. I appreciate helpful input and speedy reply. Jerry

 

[rbattelle]

OK... so thats why I have not found earlier post on this subject. Do you have any idea of the cost for this oem cord? How well does the block heater seem to work? On 0 to 15 degrees night, do you plug in for the entire night or just for an hour or two before you crank it up. I appreciate helpful input and speedy reply. Jerry

I find the heater very effective (although the Tim Taylor in me wants one with more power). It's pretty cheap... maybe $10? That thread I posted might say what the price is (it also gives the Dodge part number).



Seems like most people buy a timer and set it to come on a few hours before they leave in the morning.



I used to do that, but then one day TDR member JHardwick asked "why?", and I didn't have a good answer. Ever since that day, I just plug it in when shut down for the last time in the evening and leave it until I need the truck again (sometimes as much as a day or 2 later).



The heater is not powerful enough to overheat the engine.



-Ryan

 

[RankRam]

To answer the impending question... ... ... . (How many watts does the block heater require?)... ... ... . around 700.

 

[RMarkey]

I got my cord from the dealership and it was around $45-$50 I think, been awhile now. I do the timer thing for about 2. 5 hours before work, I figure the less the power bill the better!

 

[JLovas]

Like RMarkey said, if your concerned with your electric bill, a couple hours of run time for the block heater will help quite a bit with starting and warmup. I personally plug it in as soon as I shut her down. I've tested my block heater and only found it to be of 600 watt (not a lot for that size of radiator/engine) and the block heater is a lot better at keeping the coolant warm, rather than trying to heat up the whole system after its been completely cooled down. Its just a matter of personal preference.