Block Heater

[jandtjil]

Anyone know the amount of watts needed to run the stock engine block heater.

Am goin huntin in Nov, first time in cool weather with Diesel, just wanted to make sure the generator could do the job if it got really cold.



Also advice on cold weather operation, appreciated.



JJ

 

[RonaldLarson]

Yo, brother! First question; how cold is "cold" where you live ? If it's above 32, forget the block heater. Second, look at the wattage stated on the block heater. It will tell you what you need to know.

Ron

 

[illflem]

Block heater is 725 watts, most any generator will run it. Remember it needs a minimum of about 2 hours to do any good. I've started my truck at +5°F without the block heater after cycling the intake heaters two times. Truck ran like crap for a few minutes then was ok. I don't recommend doing this though, it is hard on engine longevity. If you think the temp might drop below 10° you should be using anti-gel fuel additive. Don't go into the cold unless your batteries are in good shape.

 

[Amianthus]

I've started mine at -18F, without plugging it in, and gotten away with it. Noise? You better believe it! But I had oil pressure, and I engaged the e-brake and it soon settled down. The power steering didn't like it either.

 

[jandtjil]

Perfect!

Most years the temps only dip to 15 on a couple mornings, am hoping we get similar weather again. However we usually go earlier in season... .....



BTW- We measure temperature by the number of seconds it takes to get out of the sleeping bag, stoke the tent heater and get back into your sleeping bag before your bare feet freeze to the ground.



check batteries, grab some fuel additive, and give it at least a couple hours to thaw out... . copy that!



Thanks



JJ