Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block heater

[Tractorat]

I have a question regarding my block heater. When I've had it plugged in overnight, I've always made sure that I unplug the block heater first, then started the truck. My question is, is there any reason that I couln't just start the truck first, and then uplug the block heater ? (other than accidently forgetting, and driving off with the electrical cord still attached). Could that cause any damage ?



Thanks,

TRat

 

[DavidC]

I remember reading (somewhere) that Cummins did not advise running the engine with the block heater plugged in. The theory was that cavitation of the element could occur with the water pump trying to move fluid (air bubbles I guess) and shorten the life of the element.



Dave

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks, thats what I was looking for. I thought that was the case.



Mike

 

[analog]

The theory was that cavitation of the element could occur with the water pump trying to move fluid (air bubbles I guess) and shorten the life of the element.

Can someone explain to me how this would be? The element is always in that stream of water whether it is on or not. When I use my heater, it gets the water to 140 degrees max, so it seems like it isn't any hotter than a fully warmed up truck when it is on.

 

[JVackiner]

I usually leave mine plugged in after starting it up and while I'm getting ready to go. My thoughts are that in some small way it helps it warm up a bit faster. Still on the original one at it works fine. I have only forgotten to unplug it a couple of times. Nothing hurt.

 

[cj hall]

free power cord

hello all



it will not hurt a thing running the engine with the cord pluged in.



and it a great way to get a 10 to 100 foot cord got a nice green 100 foot one last snow storm :-laf :-laf :-laf



just rember to unplug it. #@$%!



cj hall