2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Block heater

[KPhillips]

Last week I got a chance to use my block heater for the first time, I probably didn't need it, but it was getting down to the low forties and the high thirties, so I decided to use it just as a precaution and and a convenience.



I was happy with the warm up period the next morning, but with this being my first diesel, I was a little surprised that there was not an indicator light on the dash to advise the operator that the block heater was plugged in and operating... ...



its not really a big deal, I remembered to unplug it before I left , but I can see how someone could possibly forget they had one plugged in if they were in a hurry and drag and extension cord down the road or rip the plug from under the hood. Is there some reason they don't put an indicator light, I mean hell, they got one for everything else on the truck... , anyone ever drove off with theirs plugged in and willing to admit it??



kerryp

 

[illflem]

I figured the odds were very high that at some point I'd drive off without unhooking especially since in Montana it's plugged in for half the year. To prevent damage I made both ends of my setup bomb proof, I never unplug by hand, just back up. Same cords for seven years. Problem now is remembering to plug in, still trying to figure a way around that one. There are automatic plugs made to mount up front that spit the plug out at a signal that the engine is running but they're rather expensive. See a $140 one here http://www.kussmaul.com/091-18.htm Another option is to toss the extra extension cord up on the hood where you can see it.

 

[richardleonard]

Block Heater indicator???

I too had the fear of driving off with the block heater plugged in,, damaging the cord or doing something worse so I put a "fuseable link" in which consists of a 6" extention cord which is wrapped around the bumper mount and tyewrap secured so if I made the error of driving off before unplugging, the cord would simply pull out of the recepticle or if it damaged the cord - it would not be the block heater cord. . BTW I always park nose first next to the outdoor plug so it is a straight pull when I back out allowing the plug to simply pull out if I forget... Ther4e are a couple of threads on here with various solutions to this issue. Yes,, wouldn't it be nice to have a lockout of some sort which would not allow one to move unless the block heater was unplugged...

 

[Mark Baker]

When I have plugged mine in, I drape the extension chord over my driver's-side mirror, so I must nearly trip over it to get in the cab. Another thing, the manual says you must unplug the chord before turning over the engine, don't know why, but if for nothing else, it does prevent driving away while connected.

 

[gitchesum]

I devised a new fail proof system for mine. Since I have a full replacement brushguard with wraparounds, I tied the block heater cord around it. Then I took the extension cord and tied it around the column in front of the house. IF I forget to unplug the heater before I leave, I don't have to worry about dragging the extension cord down the driveway or tearing the block heater cord up.

I also have a note I stick to the steering wheel that says :BLOCK HEATER" on it. I put in on everytime I plug it in.

We'll see how they work.

 

[richardleonard]

Well I had a trailer which was plugged in to 110VAC - had the cord drapped over the drivers door mirror and still pulled away because I was in a fog, in a hurry,, ETC or whatever,, ruined a cord - which was lucky - I could have done more damage. . Noticed it after 10 miles when I stopped for gas - this was "before CTD"... . So now I find ways to "fool proof" things like this,,or should I say "me proof"...

 

[mbaston]

I too, being in Alaska, keep mine plugged in half the year. And yes, I have forgotten to unplug mine once. Didn't notice until I couldn't find the extension cord that evening.



It seems that it would be easy to put in an indicator light that the unit is plugged in. One would just tap into the power line and put a 110v indicator in the cab. However, an easier way is to purchase an extension cord that has a lighted end, and make sure it is visible when you walk out to get into your truck. This has kept me from repeating forgetting I was plugged in.

 

[jboehm]

"Almost" ben that route, ... but considering the fact that I had to do a "proper" CDL walk around... also made me realize that some jackass had hit my front bumper earlier in the evening. . !!

Hit and run... guess what. . new bumper, and it was all on "me". . Glad I checked the plug that next morning!



Just kind of a thing to do, when you start up. . first thing. Ya don't wan't to get pulled over for a bad taillite, right!

 

[Ncostello]

If you really want to get fancy, Kussmaul (I think) makes an auto eject unit that pops out upon startup. Our new volunteer fire engine has one.



I've driven down the road (in my old Ford) pulling a 100' extension cord once. I wondered why everyone was waving at me??!! I also took off in the squad once (as new member) and noticed a battery trickle charger following very close in the mirror. I took that one right off the ceiling of the firehouse.



And finally once, I was using our brand new heavy duty poly mop bucket with wheels under the new fire truck to drain some foam out of a valve. I forgot about it under there, got called to a fire, and had a bucket under there. It wedged in front of the axle and went almost all the way to the fire. I have no idea how fast 2" wheels are spinning at 60MPH but they dont last long. Half the bucket was worn away. I found bucket parts for about three blocks in some yards. It would be nice to have a light to let me know about those pesky buckets.



And why is it one always remembers they forgot to unplug or remove something AFTER you've already went about 50'???? I'm getting better though.

 

[JWRowe]

Heater bad

I am replacing my block heater as soon as it gets shipped in from the warehouse. 48K and it gave up. Mechanic told me it was due to starting the engine with the heater plugged in. Said it was the rush of cold water flowing by the hot heating unit upon starting. Not quite sure if I understand or believe it though. Any input on this thought?



Regards, John

 

[stg2500]

Yeah I admit I have pulled off with the cord plugged in!! Luckily I drove to the neighbors house and noticed it there. I had 100' of cord behind me.



My solution to the problem was to extend the cord across to the drivers side. I have a covered oulet that I purchased at the local Perterbilt Dealer for block heaters and installed it in the plastic part of the bumper. I extended the cord with a short length of extension cord plugged into the OEM plug. Now I have to trip over the cord to get into the truck. If anyone is interested in pictures of the install let me know. Definately an inexpensive solution.

 

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by Ncostello

If you really want to get fancy, Kussmaul (I think) makes an auto eject unit that pops out upon startup. Our new volunteer fire engine has one.

http://www.kussmaul.com/ejector.htm

Kinda pricey though.

 

[emarsh]

If you have enough slack in your extension cord, loop it over the drivers side rear mirror. It would be pretty hard to miss. I have a 75 watt flood light on a motion detector pointing right at the drivers door, so even at 1:00 AM I can tell if I am plugged in. I always park in the same spot, at least in the winter; I back in so it gives me a few extra minutes for the turbo oil to cool, in the morning, upon startup, as soon as I have oil pressure I drive away. Twice I have nearly run over a pedestrian in dark clothing at night while backing out (we don't have street lights here). What I need is a pedestrian warning light!

 

[JohnE]

I start and back out of the driveway with my heater going all the time. I slide over and touch the off button in the glove box after I've driven a few miles. Oh yes, I have a self contained heater called Espar.



My <em>wife</em> has driven off with the van plugged in more than once. Once was with the extension cord wrapped around the driver's mirror, too.

Now I make <b>her</b> plug it in every night. Seems if you plug it in it helps jog the memory to unplug in the morning.



J Rowe;

I don't believe the cold antifreeze over the heating unit story. Sometimes they just ... burn out.



In another thread, someone posted a TSB that recommends keeping the block heater plugged in while running the truck to aid in cold weather warming.

 

[ronco]

No, I am not going to admit that I drove off with the heater plugged in, and I don't know how the timer got damaged either!



Ronco

 

[CumminsPower98]

My Truck has nearly 96k on it now and the block heater is dead. It worked last winter but I didn't use it much. This winter I got a timer so I would us the heater more and the stupid thing didn't work. Will have a new one here in the morning. I'm glad I verified what heater they were going to ship. I would have gotten the older freeze plug type rather then the newer thread-in style even though I told them '98. Hope I don't forget to unplug. Sounds like something I would do.



Mark

 

[WadePatton]

I just started using mine and yes, I forgot it the other day. Well almost. I remembered it about the time I pushed the clutch in to hit "R".



On cold water ruining element. Where the heck does the "cold" water come from. When I leave mine plugged in overnight, the water temp is right on 140 and the pyro reads 100 at ~30 outside air. Even a 180 thermostat is still tightly closed at 140. "Inrush of Cold Water" theory is a bit weak.

Correct me if I'm wrong.



And yeah, the Cummins don't Need the heater for my climate, but I love the pre-warmed engine.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I replaced my plug with one of those hinged door plugs for about 50 bucks. I find it easier to open the little door and plug in or unplug with a gloved hand. I think mine was made by a company called Zerostat. The plug is heavy duty and should last but I don't know if it will hold up to having the extention ripped out. It did survive a 70mph deer hit.

 

[JHalderman]

I love my block heater. Here in Reno it gets cold but I understand it only needs to be plugged in for an hour to be effective so I put mine on a timer to go on an hour and a half before I go to work. It also saves on my electric bill. John

 

[markgrif]

Just used mine for the first time today. Another benefit - no smoke when I started it.



Mark