Block Heater

[Diesel Boy]

At what temperature should the block heater be used? My truck is parked overnight in a non-heated enclosed shed. Trip to work is 12 miles via interstate for 10 miles. I noticed if I lock out overdrive engine reaches 190 in 9 miles instead of 10. 5 miles. Does locking out 0verdrive cause any longterm problems?

 

[WadeMetzinger]

D Boy, not sure what the magic temp is for plugging in your truck, I just get into the habit of plugging it in every night once the temp gets down to the 40s at night. It sure starts better when its plugged in. I use a timer to control when it comes on and goes off so it doesn't stay on 24hrs a day.



I have a question along these lines, does the block heater keep the oil and water in the block warm only or is there a heat strip in the oil pan?



Does anyone know if the block heater draws much current? I use a timer and the only ones I have been able to find don't have a 3 prong connection, so I have to use an adapter to plug in my extension cord.

 

[Ted Constantine]

check these out



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31299&highlight=heater



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27869&highlight=heater



There was another I have read resently but can not find. I plug in below 40 if I remember and definitely below freezing. I have had to got in sub zero temps with out an outlet and have never had a problem but the truck sound like it is dieing when you start it that cold. I run a timer for three-four hour before I will be leaving in the mornign and the wait to start light never comes on.



Evan beck say he always plugs his in regardless of temp and someone else was saying that if it is snowing they leave it pluged in all night to keep snow off the hood. I am thinking of adding an oil pan heater just because I like a warm truck when starting.



Ted

 

[jwilliams3]

Your Block heater is screwed into the engine block next to your

oil cooler (also where your filter is located), the heaters coil only makes direct contact with your engines coolant, any heat going to your oil is through its close proximity to your oil cooler, filter, and lingering oil in the engine block.



The heaters coil is about 5" in length and does a good job of keeping your cylinders and block warm.