Block Heater Longevity?

[Deezal Man]

Since its like anything else mechanical. . Most likely, but is it really worth worrying about??? In your case, I don't think so. Having a few friends who share the FF hobby... When that alarm goes... . so do they. . Warming up a truck isn't part of that plan. I'd rather "risk" premature wear of a block heater than put extra wear on the Cummins. That might be the price you have to pay for owning a Cummins and being a FF. Seems pretty minor to me. .

All I know is... if a local fireman busted his block heater trying to save my house... . I'd buy him a new one. No questions asked.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[RAPID RICK]

If you unplug the block heater before you start the engine it should give you years of good service. Rick

 

[Mactruck]

My girlfriend gave me a truck starter for x-mas so now i can get up, start it, then get dressed. Warms it up for a few precious seconds before I run out the door.

Rick,how can starting it with the heater plugged in cause damage?

[This message has been edited by Mactruck (edited 01-05-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

Having the block heater plugged or unplugged when starting makes no difference. Since I live where I work a timer doesn't work for me,there have been times when the heater has been on 24hrs a day for a week or more at a time for the last six winters,it still works just fine. I have a M-F tractor with a similar type block heater that has been treated the same way for the last 14 winters,still going strong. Of course I only pay ½¢ per kw/hr for power so the bill matters little,84¢ to run the heater for 24 hours.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Pete Peterson]

How long does the element last in your water heater??Hmmmmmm?? Ten to fifteen years!! Regards Pete

 

[illflem]

Pete,and the reason your water heater element fails is due to the chemicals associated with hard water,not something you should have to deal with in your cooling system if you use distilled water when you change coolant.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Originally posted by illflem:
Of course I only pay ½¢ per kw/hr for power so the bill matters little,84¢ to run the heater for 24 hours.

Bill,

How is it that you only pay ½¢ per kw/hr for power. I know we have cheap power here in the NW, but my electric Co-Op charges more than that. Is that an ag rate? Also if you are paying that rate I think that should be $0. 084 per 24/hr, not $0. 84. At less than a dime for 24 hours, I would leave it plugged in all of the time.

Shelby


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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 3873 miles as of 01-04-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

[This message has been edited by Surveyor Shelby (edited 01-05-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

Shelby,My county public utility district had the foresight to own two hydropower dams on the Columbia River and one on Lake Chelan(owned by the citizens of the county). There are only about 50,000 people in Chelan Co. ,the hydroplant from Lake Chelan's penstocks with 300 ft of head, can supply the entire county with power most of the time,the rest is surplus that generates millions of dollars of excess revenue. The profit remains in the county and is used to keep power rates down along with things you don't usually see a power company doing such as building parks,relocating bighorn sheep into the area, improving fisheries,etc. Right now though the thing that threatens all of this is the Endangered Species Act with the salmon,millions of dollars is going into ways to restore the salmon runs,with talk of tearing down the dams for the fish.

I pay around $100 for two months in the winter,all electric heat in a 2800 sq ft house with a 1600 sq ft heated shop. Get this though, Douglas County on the other side of the river from me has cheaper power,cheapest in the world in fact.

Your right,I got my decimal in the wrong place,thought that was a little high.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 01-05-2001). ]

 

[Mactruck]

Last 3 weeks I have been leaving the truck plugged in all day and night depending on my schedule. I can't set it on a timer because of my FF/EMT hobby (I. E. getting up in the middle of the night for a call)
Am I putting stress on my block heater by leaving it plugged in all the time?

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Kevin MacGranor
2001. 5 D2500 QC SLT 4X4,Auto 295/75r16 BFG AT's.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Rick:
Are you saying that the hot element has a problem if it isn't imersed constantly? If so, what's the difference if you start up right after unplugging? Wouldn't the element still be hot for a little while and still risk being exposed to an air bubble? Just wondering.

Mactruck:
Do you shut it down right after you get to the firehouse? If so, the turbo isn't getting cooled down. In my case, I take the minivan on calls so I don't have to wait for cool down. Also, less beating on the Cummins! #ad


Dave

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[RAPID RICK]

It DOES make a differance if its plugged in
when you start your truck. When your truck is running water is circulating & if there are
any air bubbles & they come in contact with
the heat element it will dramaticly shorten
the life of the element. If you think it doesen't make a differance put a block heater on your bench,plug it in & see how long it lasts.
I know there is not supposed to air bubbles but... ... .

 

[FL60cummins]

Rapidrick, I have done exactly what you've said alot. I have had no failures.
What's your story??

 

[RAPID RICK]

Dave,
If the element isn't imersed in water it will burn out . By the time you unplug,
hang up your cord,get in your truck & start
it the element is cool enough not to damage it.

FL60,
Whats my story?? I don't have a story.
Just passing along info from a tech I know
along with 25 years of experience plugging
in a fleet of trucks. You have better luck than I do I guess. I won't leave mine plugged
in to see how long it will because it is
easier to unplug it than to replace it.
just my opinion Rick

 

[Amianthus]

Rapid Rick,

I use mine with a thermo-cube located on top of the intake manifold. This only lets the heater run when the engine compartment temp is below 35. I also use an auto-eject on my truck so all I do is get in, wait for the heaters to cycle and start the truck. When I asked Powermaster (aka Cummins) about this treatment, they told me that I can do this without damaging the engine. But, I should make sure the turbo is as cool as I can get it before I shut it down. I have modified my throttle input to the station to accomodate this (I get it to about 350 before I turn it off). They said this shouldn't be too bad, as long as I don't make it a daily habit.
I take my truck because I keep some of my equipment in there. My rope resuce equipment, flashlight, hand warmers, etc. Never know when you'll need that extra stuff that the dept. just ain't got. #ad


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'99 2500 ISB QC SLT (No Leather!), 4x4, 5sp w/McLeod, 4:10, BD-II, PE, PE-EZ, 4"exh. , Pac-Brake, A-Pillar gauge pod w/boost and pyro, Line-X, V-1, lights, siren, lic. plt. frame says "Diesel Fumes Make Me Horny!", and much more goofy stuff.

 

[illflem]

If I had enough air in my coolant to damage the block heater I'd be much more concerned about the damage the air was doing to my engine.