Block Heater

[AStrand]

Where's the best place to buy a good timer?

 

[RSchwarzli]

With that info, I say ditto!! Where!?



Robert

 

[icman95]

Any hardware store. Can't remember if I got mine at Walmart or Home Depot. I had a cheaper one that was analog and decided to change it out for a digital one. This way I can set the on/off times more precisely. Can't remember what brand my digital one is, but it gives the options of setting Mon-Fri separate for each day or the same setting for the whole M-F work week. This is the setting I use because I go to workt the same time every day. Then I can set Sat-Sun as a single setting also assuming that I'll be using it around the same time each weekend day. Unless it's going to be really cold, I don't even plug it in on weekends, figuring that by the time I get my lazy butt out of bed, it'll be warm enough outside anyway.



After all that "I can't remember" stuff, I just checked and found mine online at Home Depot. Here's the link. The product description even says it can be used for engine block heaters.



Intermatic Digital Programmable Outdoor Timer - HB88RC at The Home Depot

 

[JLEONARD]

I used a mechanical timer for many years. It was rated for 1000 watts I think. I would set it to be on for about 2 hours prior to normal departure time. That was enough to have the temp gage almost touch the first line when I fired up. I would get just enough heat to keep the ice off the windshield when I rolled out of the driveway.



"what for block heater you use on the boat diesel, humm?"

Actually the Cummins 6BTA had a thermostatically controlled block heater. The element was in that same location as the truck one, but it was connected to a thermostat on the opposite side of the engine. I had the one set for 120 F (and 120V). . they (Fleetguard) also make one set for 70 F. I'm told the effecient way to go is order the 220V in 70 F and it will use half the power. I didn't care, I didn't pay for elec at the marina.

Currently I have a 250 watt Wolverine oil pan heater pad to install. One of those roundtuit jobs. LOL