Does the block heater run continuously?

[Pawpaw]

No flame intended. I know there are convection currents, but the heater is at the top of the block where the heat wants to stay. It would take a considerable amount of heat to move it to the bottom of the block. The heater is operating while I'm driving and the water pump also circulates the liquid while I'm driving. The factory block heater just doesn't seem to be a really good system to me. I would think that you would be better off with an after market in-line radiator hose heater if you think you need one.

On the top of the block? Mine is down low on the passenger side, not too far (5 or 6 inches) above the oil pan, as I recall.



Bob

 

[Subby]

I sure thought that's where mine is. Better go look.

 

[CBrabec]

block heater

Is it alright to start your truck in the morning and let it run while still pluged in from the night before? I have an electric remote starter and was wondering if I will do any damage if I start the truck while it's still plugged in.

 

[SRadke]

No problems starting while plugged in.

 

[RHildreth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHildreth

No flame intended. I know there are convection currents, but the heater is at the top of the block where the heat wants to stay. It would take a considerable amount of heat to move it to the bottom of the block. The heater is operating while I'm driving and the water pump also circulates the liquid while I'm driving. The factory block heater just doesn't seem to be a really good system to me. I would think that you would be better off with an after market in-line radiator hose heater if you think you need one.







On the top of the block? Mine is down low on the passenger side, not too far (5 or 6 inches) above the oil pan, as I recall.



Bob

__________________

Flame Red '04 2500 SLT QC/SB HO (305/555) 48RE 4x2







My 04. 5 is high on the passenger side right behind the oil filter.

 

[rbattelle]

No problems starting while plugged in.

Some people do this, and I've never read of anyone having any trouble. BUT, in the interest of full disclosure I believe the owners manual says not to do it.



-Ryan

 

[dcscott]

Starting the engine with the heater plugged in won't hurt a thing. Driving off without unplugging the heater - well that's another matter. Not that I'd ever do that of course but I've heard tell of some folks that have. I've even given some thought to designing a dohicky that would spit the extention cord out the grill when you start the truck.

 

[steved]

Starting the engine with the heater plugged in won't hurt a thing. Driving off without unplugging the heater - well that's another matter. Not that I'd ever do that of course but I've heard tell of some folks that have. I've even given some thought to designing a dohicky that would spit the extention cord out the grill when you start the truck.

I'll leave mine plugged in for several minutes to aid getting the coolant up to temp (not that it really does much), but every little bit helps... it's a long 12 miles of freezing before I get good heat out of it.



steved

 

[CLAYTON]

Last year I drove 15 miles on the freeway to get to work so my truck would warm up nice. This year I work 2 miles from my home. Looks like I'll have to make a little detour to make the drive a little longer to get my truck to operating temps.

 

[Trophy1]

I have an 03 HO and no matter how long I have the block heater pluged in for the truck NEVER has warm air from the defroster or the heater when I fire her up. It always takes amost 15 min to get any heat after she is running. I don't live in a really cold climate I am about 90 miles north of NYC. I have been told but can't say it is true that what I am really heating is the grid heater to start the motor and not the block heater yet there is only one plug to connect on my truck. I think the factory heater sucks!! cold air!!! I too would likw to replace this heater but my dealer says it is working to factory specks. Wish he would pay the electric bill for no heat in the AM. Oo.

 

[rbattelle]

I have an 03 HO and no matter how long I have the block heater pluged in for the truck NEVER has warm air from the defroster or the heater when I fire her up. It always takes amost 15 min to get any heat after she is running. I don't live in a really cold climate I am about 90 miles north of NYC. I have been told but can't say it is true that what I am really heating is the grid heater to start the motor and not the block heater yet there is only one plug to connect on my truck. I think the factory heater sucks!! cold air!!! I too would likw to replace this heater but my dealer says it is working to factory specks. Wish he would pay the electric bill for no heat in the AM. Oo.

I agree with your dealer.



-Ryan

 

[steved]

There is something definately different between the 2nd and 3rd gens when it comes to thye block heater... my 99 would almost immediately start pumping out warm air... the 04 takes forever...



steved

 

[JasonCzerak]

Starting the engine with the heater plugged in won't hurt a thing. Driving off without unplugging the heater - well that's another matter. Not that I'd ever do that of course but I've heard tell of some folks that have. I've even given some thought to designing a dohicky that would spit the extention cord out the grill when you start the truck.

I was thinking more along the lines of an in cab "buzzer" or "blinking light" to remind you "hey dummy, your cord is still plugged in!"

 

[jwduke]

My '95 would roast you out in a few miles, but my '04 takes F O R E V E R to warm up!

 

[Devan Manis]

They have bigger radiators, that may be the reason.

 

[Roy1]

They have bigger radiators, that may be the reason.

If that is the case they should have increased the size of the block heater. I've owned a 94, a 2K, and now a 05. The 05 block heater is by far the slowest working and it sure doesn't push as much heat as the other two. Maybe DC doesn't want us to plug in?



Roy

 

[steved]

If that is the case they should have increased the size of the block heater. I've owned a 94, a 2K, and now a 05. The 05 block heater is by far the slowest working and it sure doesn't push as much heat as the other two. Maybe DC doesn't want us to plug in?



Roy

They did increase... the 2nd gens are 600 watt, the 3rd gens are 720 watts...



I was told by DC that the block heater wasn't needed unless it got below -20 degrees.



steved

 

[Roy1]

They did increase... the 2nd gens are 600 watt, the 3rd gens are 720 watts...



I was told by DC that the block heater wasn't needed unless it got below -20 degrees.



steved

I don't care how many watts the increase is, it don't do the job that the earlier ones did.

I was told the same thing by the dealer. Gotta tell ya, that at 0 not plugged in it ain't pretty. Your breath will put a coat of frost on the inside of the windshield, barely see out to drive it.

My 2K would have a clear patch through the frost above the defrost vents after being plugged in for 8 hours @ 10 above. Not so with the 05.



Roy

 

[BrianJ]

My 2K would have a clear patch through the frost above the defrost vents after being plugged in for 8 hours @ 10 above. Not so with the 05.



Roy

If I leave my 2004. 5 plugged in overnight I have clear spots above the defrost vents when I go out in the morning and warm air within minutes after starting, maybe I got lucky with mine.

 

[CLAYTON]

When I leave mine plugged in over night the engine temp will be around 140 when I start her up in the morning. So I'll have warm air right away and it'll get warmer a short distance down the road. I like to plug it in when it gets around 40 or less. The truck is just much happier if I do