Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Block heater time

[4570]

Any one got an idea how long it takes the block heater to heat the engine coolant to its normal ability? Should i plug it in for 8 hours or is 3 hours ? enough ? Arnie

 

[HBarlow]

Arnie,

The answer varies and depends on where the truck is parked, inside or outside as well as ambient temperature and wind.

A minimum of four hours might suffice in mild weather, all night when its very cold and windy.

It won't hurt anything to leave it plugged in all night. It draws about as much current as a large light bulb.

 

[TGVET]

Mine is on a timer 3AM to 1PM winter months. I leave for work 6:30-8:30 its always warm and needs no more than 5 to 10 mins of start up time to get my cab warm, defrosted and ready to roll in 25 to 32 temps we are now having. The 1PM time is because on weekends, I may not leave to go anywhere early, store, errands etc. .

 

[CCiatteo]

I have my timer set to come on a 3am and I leave for work at 7am. On all but the coldest nights this is plenty for me here in central NJ. If its very cold/windy I just flip the timer to "ON" mode and leave it ON all night. I would suggest you experiment to find the duration that works best for your area. Start at 3-4 hours and work up from there. I use an Intermatic timer that I picked from Home Depot. I am on my second one, first one lasted about 3 winters and this year just died for some reason? I think it was under $20.

 

[mtarcher1]

Using a timer is a good idea. The block heater will warm it up a bit but at some point the heat lost is equal to the heat you're putting into it and having the heater run longer is a waste. Most seem to think 4 hours is enough; I'd agree. Here in Montana it can get cold. I use a timer and run my truck block heater for 4 hrs like some of the other responders have suggested. At 750 watts, 12 hrs of run time uses 9 kilowatt hours (kWh) (12x750/1000=9). The cost of those kWh here in MT is around ten cents so 12 hrs costs $0. 90. Do that for 30 days and it costs $27 to run your block heater. Running it for 4 hrs costs about $7 per month.

I've got several stock tank heaters and a few block heaters to run to keep up with Montana winters so I pay attention to what it cost 'cause they actually do add up!

If you use a timer, make sure it is rated for the 750 watts you're gonna run through it and make sure your extension cord is also rated for that amount of current. Relatively speaking it isn't a whole lot of draw but you do need to pay a bit of attention.

 

[CCiatteo]

Using a timer is a good idea. The block heater will warm it up a bit but at some point the heat lost is equal to the heat you're putting into it and having the heater run longer is a waste. Most seem to think 4 hours is enough; I'd agree. Here in Montana it can get cold. I use a timer and run my truck block heater for 4 hrs like some of the other responders have suggested. At 750 watts, 12 hrs of run time uses 9 kilowatt hours (kWh) (12x750/1000=9). The cost of those kWh here in MT is around ten cents so 12 hrs costs $0. 90. Do that for 30 days and it costs $27 to run your block heater. Running it for 4 hrs costs about $7 per month.

I've got several stock tank heaters and a few block heaters to run to keep up with Montana winters so I pay attention to what it cost 'cause they actually do add up!

If you use a timer, make sure it is rated for the 750 watts you're gonna run through it and make sure your extension cord is also rated for that amount of current. Relatively speaking it isn't a whole lot of draw but you do need to pay a bit of attention.

That is very good advice, you do reach point where there is diminishing returns. It's not a situation where if some is good, more must be better.

And do pay attention to the circuit you use, the extension cord etc. , GFI outlet etc. , otherwise the circuit could trip and you'll wake to a cold truck anyway. I've had this happen, that's how I know.

 

[4570]

OK it sounds like three hours is enough since im here in California's central valley . We get freezing but rarely hard freezes and it always warms up during the day time . Im off to the store to get enough wiring and a plug so i can wire the rear bumper since i back my truck into the drive . Thanks , Arnie

 

[hwebster]

Running 0-40 I don't plug in unless it's -10C or colder...

 

[TGVET]

Running 0-40 I don't plug in unless it's -10C or colder...

I forgot to mention, I cover the engine with a moving blanket folded in half. I use HDD5W/30. I never start the engine cold when below 50 even though Mnf. suggest 60. Just me, but I believe in taking the best care I can and cold starts are engine killers. IMO



A pre-oiler is on the list of future upgrades too.

 

[4570]

Heck i have drove off twice with the tire covers on . I look back in the mirror and see them laying in the street in front of my drive way. I cant imagine forgetting that blanket , ha . Arnie

 

[sbattle76]

Anyone know what the coolant temp should be after the block heater has been plugged in for a bit. I installed my cord yesterday, and left it plugged in all night. When I went out to my truck in the morning and checked my coolant temp it was at 109 degrees F. Not really any warm air coming out when I turned the heat on either.

 

[MLee]

Remember you have a lot of Steel and liquid in there to heat and it will take a while to heat it all up. Two hrs just takes the chill off and makes it easier to start. But if you want it all warm then bit the bullet and plug it in when you get home to help keep all the componients hot till you go again. Its your wallet/your power bill. Just park it in your garage, and heat the garage. might be cheaper who knows.

Your 109*sounds abput right.

 

[MHalloran]

Yea when I first started using my block heater, for the first month of winter when I got home from work or where ever (not knowing) I would plug her right in to keep it warm for the next start-up..... UNTIL I GOT THE ELECTRIC BILL!!. A timer after that and used 2-3 hours heat time & that worked well enough...

 

[sbattle76]

I'd love to park it in the garage, but I have the wifes car in there... . and the boat, and the kids toys... Anyway - I just wasnt' sure if the block heater was actually working, becuase I had a hard time getting it plugged into the block. It didnt seem to want to go in allthe way, but I was able to get the nut hand tightened well enough. And I wasnt sure 109* was anything to speak of. This morning my guage said <100, and didn't hit 109 till I was 1. 5 miles down the road.

 

[GAmes]

When I go to the great white north in the winter and use the block heater my only concern is that the engine starts easier due to the oil being warm and thin. Obviously, the colder the air the colder the engine will be, if the heater is on for the same amount of time. It doesn't have a thermostat so it doesn't turn on and off.