Block Heater Timer

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Illflem, try http://www.x10.com/homepage.htm

I also use X10 signals. I have a remote control in my truck to turn on/off the outside and garage lights, along with open/close either garage door. There are still many unused buttons on the remote to control whatever else I come up with. I often notice that I leave the fish tank light on while heading to work. I think I'll hook the fish tank light to one of the other buttons. You'd be surprised at how inexpensive the X-10 components are. You can control curtains, appliances, door locks, video equipment, water your plants, etc.

 

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Everyone talks about "plugging in" an hour or two before they leave for somewhere. What's wrong with staying plugged in all night, if you know there's a cold front or freeze coming? Is the block heater not designed for this, or is it just a "saving electricity" thing?

 

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Walker,
It won`t hurt anything plugging it in all night. But its kind of wasting electricty.


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Bill R
94 2500 SLT 4x4 5 Speed, 3. 54 LS, JRE 4" exhaust, Autometer Pyro, Boost & Water temp gauges, Bosch 215 HP injectors, Timing @ 14. 7 º, JRE Stage III #4 plate 270/675, AFC spring kit, Scotty Air, Bully Dog Propane Injection, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Optima Red Tops, Geno`s Exhaust Blanket,Espar Heater (won it!), Synthetic lubes throughout.

 

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expdyt(I dig that),
The reason I am looking for a plug in system, is because I am on a volunteer fire department. My truck needs to be ready to go at any time at night. I have missed a few calls because I didn't wait for the heaters to finish the cycle and it absolutely would not start. I have started it in as cold as -25F with no problems. Although, I think the truck didn't much care for it. And Man, does that heat take FOREVER to get going.
But like I said. It sits in a garage and only needs to be plugged in when I'm home. That's when I have the greatest chance of geting on to a truck.

illflem,
Coincidentally, I use x10 to open my garage door and turn on selected lights in the house and outside when I get a fire call. One button does it all (because the wife won't do anything #ad
). Works great. I get the door opened and the lights on. The wife stays in bed and I don't have to hear, well, you know. #ad
#ad
#ad

 

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Originally posted by Amianthus:
expdyt(I dig that),
The reason I am looking for a plug in system, is because I am on a volunteer fire department. My truck needs to be ready to go at any time at night. I have missed a few calls because I didn't wait for the heaters to finish the cycle and it absolutely would not start. ...

Sounds like you need an Espar heater, which would keep the engine (and cab) quite warm. The Espar does use about 1 pint of fuel per hour when it's running full out, but once the engine has warmed up, I should think fuel consumption would decrease.

Fest3er

 

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fest3er, you're right. An Espar would work perfectly. But I am looking for the cheap way out for now. If this doesn't work then an Espar will be next. But thanks for reminding me that there is more than one way to skin a cat. #ad

 

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Here's my solution. Like Alaska Bee, I have the X-10 devices in my house for lights, fans, etc. I don't use my computer to control them, yet. I just use the little control boxes they sell. They are available at Radio Shack and are fairly cheap. They use the existing wiring in the house to send signals to the outlets and switches.

I've installed an X-10 outlet in my outside fixture which has one of those clear covers. This keeps the electronics of the outlet at least dry (these devices are rated "indoor" so they need some protection. ) I have one of the X-10 clocks that can switch devices on and off at specified times. And that's it. This also allows me to switch the outlet on manually from my bedside (yawn) if I want to override the timer.

Here's the address of the X-10 site: http://www.x10.org/

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'95 2500 SLT LB 2WD, auto 3. 54, 67,000--Westech gauges, Prime-loc, Brite box, Back-off Box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler, Borgeson steering shaft

[This message has been edited by Kodiak (edited 10-27-2000). ]

 

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Found it best to leave mine plugged in continuously when the temp is bellow -10c/14f ,just a few hours doesn't make much difference than starting dead cold. But if you are still interested in using a timer, I have seen one for sale up here that turns on at the freezing point and shuts off after an elapsed time (2 to 8 hours). Also have had prblems with ground fault outlet in the winter they tend to trip durring freezing rain, and freeze - thaw cycles. Never been zapped yet so far but I always unplug the extension cord first then the heater. I have a special extension cord with a built in continuity checker,you press a button and it puts a lamp in series with the heater to see if it is connected, saved me a few times, you know whe the molded plug on the heater gives up (good to have a spare one available). Another product used up here is a battery warmer, wraps around the battery and plugs in, only about 80 watts, gives you more cranking power. Please e mail me if you want the product information, but I beleive both items are available from Canadian Tire.


regards Neil C

 

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Amianthus:
I'm a little behind you. Just this week I finally got power in my garage! #ad
Had to have it now that I have the Ram. I ran a line underground from my basement to the garage. Now I have an outlet for the Ram and a light! I'm used to fumbling around in the dark (in my sleep) to unlock my vehicle on those middle of the night calls!
For now, I'm planning on plugging in when it's cold without a timer because I don't drive the truck regularly (I have a company vehicle to get to work). I ran the outlet line through a switch in my basement, so I can turn the heater on ahead of time when I know I'll be driving the truck. If I don't drive it for a day or two, the switch will stay off. I can control it all from the comfort of my basement, rather than traveling the 100' or so out in the cold to the garage to plug it in.
What about those unexpected calls, you ask? I take the minivan that now sits outside. It's easier than waiting to start the truck and then waiting for the turbo to cool down to shut off the truck once I get to the firehouse. Less abuse on the truck this way. The exception to this will be if we have deep snow - then I'll need the 4x4. #ad


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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

 

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Some thing so simple gets so many replies. Out doors timer is good enough or thermocube.

 

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Another simple solution is to mount a 120/240 volt thermostat(the kind used for electric heat in the house)on your house/garage/shed or whatever, undercover from rain or snow, while still being in the outdoor temperatures. You could buy a short 14 gauge outdoor extension cord and cut in half. Wire one end of cord to line side , and other end of cord to load side of thermostat. Plug in to a ground fault outlet, and your truck heater will only come on when the outside temp. drops below the temp. you have set on the thermostat. The only problem I have found with this setup is, most house thermostats only go as low as 40 deg. f. I personally don't like how long it takes for the oil pressure to come up with a cold engine. Comes up quick when plugged in. .

[This message has been edited by RON'S RAM (edited 10-30-2000). ]

 

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Sevral OTR truckers I know have told me it's best to use your heater all year if you want max life out of engine. Set the t-stat to 70 F if you can afford the power bill. Most engine wear happens in the first 30 seconds after starting a cold engine,mainly due to poor lubrication from cold oil.