Engine heater

[ARARAR]

How cold should it get before you should plug in your engine heater?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I plug in at anything under 40 or so.

 

[GAmes]

I don't pug mine in until the temps are forecast to drop into the 20s.

 

[Jim W]

Mine is plugged in when the night temps fall below 40F. I have the block heater on a timer, the timer will come on at 2:00 AM and will turn off at 9:00 AM.

 

[KATOOM]

How cold should it get before you should plug in your engine heater?

Lots of people are unsure of what outside temperatures should they start plugging in the block heater. That said, its understood that the Cummins is capable of starting in temperatures as low as -20F without plugging in the block heater. So based on that, it sounds like you're OK to not bother until the temperatures are somewhere in the range of stupid cold... Although I would never force my truck to start in such frigid temps without plugging in unless I had no other option.

But, there's no rules about plugging it in whenever you like either... So because I like a warm cab before having to drive 10 miles down the road, when it gets down in the 20's I will tend to set the block heater on a timer set about 2-3 hours before I leave. Heater works much faster and everyone is much happier...including the engine.

Oh and just an FYI - If you plug your block heater in hours before you go somewhere, DONT forget its plugged in otherwise you'll rip the cord out of the engine bay when you drive off. Some practices to avoid this from happening is to leave the hood partially open or drape the cord over the drivers mirror or anything else you can think of.

 

[BigPapa]

I plug mine in if it’s going to get below 20*.

-Scott

 

[FOXY005]

I also use the under 20* rule, it makes for a much happier sounding engine when you first start it.

 

[BarryG]

I am with the others no set rule from Cummins or Ram but I plug it in for me. I know the engine will start at -20 as I have done it more than once on my 01. Coldest was -29 was out ice fishing it fired up just fine after sitting for 8 hours in that temp, fortunately my batteries were in good shape to get it cranking but it did start just fine. Didnt have any heat for a while but it did start up without any issues. I plug it in for the quicker heat as Katoom mentioned and also as he mentioned be careful not to drive off with the plug still attached I have done that a couple times, in fact embarrassed to say just this morning. The new truck with the remote start makes it easier to do I do need to rig up a flag of some sort. Not going to hurt the heater but it could wreak havoc on my timer.

 

[mpaulson]

For me when the overnight lows get to 0-C/32-F I plug in the factory block heater. When they get down to -10-C/14-F and below I also plug in the oil pan and transmission pan heaters as well. In my case I don't use a timer, I leave them going all night so that in the case of an emergency I have no issues with having to start and go quickly etc. The extra $20-30 per month this cost me on power is worth it for peace of mind. It also helps keep everything warmer because it's easier to keep everything warm than it is to warm it all up from a full freeze. Keeping in mind I'm in central Alberta, -15 to -40 C (5 to -40 F) is more common for us.
I like to go overboard and baby things.

 

[mwilson]

20 degree rule for me as well.....on a timer as well.....2 hours is plenty. If an extended stretch of below zero weather comes barreling in then I increase the time to 4 hours.

Yes, they will probably start unaided but to me it's much easier on batteries, starter, bearings, etc. with a little heat in the block. Plus a lot faster warming of the coolant and cab...

 

[Joe Mc]

Mine is plugged in when the night temps fall below 40F. I have the block heater on a timer, the timer will come on at 2:00 AM and will turn off at 9:00 AM.

I'm with Jim. I also use a timer "and" place the cord so I trip over it if I forget. It's much nicer to get in and let it run for a bit (3-5 mins or so) with the defrost on to help clear the windshield. I drive down the road (about 1 mile) to get coffee, leave it running, and by the time I come out it's nice and toasty inside. Just wish the trans would warm up a bit quicker, but just take it easy for the first 3 or 4 miles and the temps start to rise. L8r

 

[mpaulson]

Just be careful how you loop/wrap it around the mirror! because if it's tied at the other end, and you forget, you'll rip off the mirror. (No, I haven't done this, I don't do any cord warning systems)

 

[KATOOM]

Or you can install one of these...

#ad

 

[ARARAR]

Or you can install one of these...

#ad

What and where can you get one of those. I have never actually used my block heater but think I may have to start doing so. We recently moved from California where we had very few days or nights that dipped below freezing to Nevada where it stays pretty cold on winter nights.

 

[KATOOM]

They're block heater plug bumper mounts so that you dont have to open the hood to access the cord. And...depending on how you park and the direction of the cord, it will allow the cord to detach without destroying parts. You can find them here https://www.genosgarage.com/category/s?keyword=block+heater and various other places.
There's even more expensive ones that electronically detach the cord as soon as the engine starts. They use those on ambulances and fire trucks.

 

[petersonj]

Good information here, but is this really a "911" topic?

- John

 

[Joe Mc]

Good information here, but is this really a "911" topic?

- John

Probably not, but good info as you said. Maybe a moderator will pick up and move to more appropriate forum. Merry Christmas!

 

[Too Tall]

IMO, there's no bad answer, the warmer the engine, the quicker the warm up time for engine and turbo and less oil contamination from blow by while coming up to temperature.

 

[mpaulson]

I like the Geno's plug mount idea but I have always been hesitant about buying one for the simple reason is that to the best of my knowledge, the plate is plain mild steel and after a few rock chips or any imperfection in the sealing of the finish on it, it will start leaving rust streaks on the bumper and running down the bumper within a few years. It would be nice if they used stainless or aluminum for the mount plate to idiot proof the rusting potential. especially for the fact that if you need one of these, you are living in the salt belt and it will be well bathed in salt for 4-7 months of the year.

 

[Whitewolf]

I plug in when ever I want a warmer truck in the morning. I use the Geno's plug mount. Yes it's got rust on it. The rust doesn't run down the bumper. I need to take it off, brush the rust and repaint. Just haven't done it yet and won't until May or so.