I need a timer for the block heater

[ReevesRacing]

How much faster are your windows defrosting?

I drive home from work (50 miles) and plug in the heater. Next morning, unplug heater, fire up truck, go back in and get a cup of coffee. I go back out and drive probably 5 to 10 miles before I got any heat inside the cab.

The extension cord does spark a little when I unplug it, so I know there is some resistance, but maybe not the full 750W worth?



Is this normal?



(this is in above 0 temps!)

 

[JWinans]

keeping the engine warm

Looks like about everyone has similar ideas on how to keep their engine warm and easy to start. Just picked up from Dodge their latest edition of the cold weather bra. Fits under the hood, unlike the 2 generation one that was on the outside. Helps keep any drafts, etc. off the engine and radiator. Between it and the block heater, by the time I was out the drive (300ft) I had slightly warm air coming out the vents, and it warmed up fast. My parts man had to dig a little to locate it in the cat. Seems they were sent to Florida for warehousing, but Dodge got it to Idaho in a couple days, and on the truck in 10 minutes.

Jim

 

[rbattelle]

Looks like about everyone has similar ideas on how to keep their engine warm and easy to start. Just picked up from Dodge their latest edition of the cold weather bra. Fits under the hood, unlike the 2 generation one that was on the outside. Helps keep any drafts, etc. off the engine and radiator. Between it and the block heater, by the time I was out the drive (300ft) I had slightly warm air coming out the vents, and it warmed up fast. My parts man had to dig a little to locate it in the cat. Seems they were sent to Florida for warehousing, but Dodge got it to Idaho in a couple days, and on the truck in 10 minutes.

Jim

Got a pic? Does it block the intercooler?



-Ryan

 

[Matt400]

Just picked up from Dodge their latest edition of the cold weather bra. Fits under the hood

How do you like the fit and quality?

Looks like part# 82208646 is the one for 119. 00.



Does it go behind the grill on the hood, or mount to the A/C condenser?



One thing I like about the timer beside saving a little power is the reduced usage on the heater so it may last longer. Also when I get home and plug in I just feel better picking up the rain soaked power cord knowing its not hot.

 

[bighammer]

I often don't know which truck I'm taking until I wake up. I plug in then an and after getting ready, a couple cup of coffee, etc. , one hour or so seems adequate.



If it's cold out, I keep the truck connected to an extension cord that I can plug in w/o going outside. (open door, plug in correct cord, close door )

 

[JHardwick]

an hour? come on now.

 

[RChamberlain]

Mine turns on about 3 hr before I go to work the window is defrosted eough to drive but it still takes a little longer to warm the cap up

 

[ROCKJEEP]

Mine turns on 3 hrs before I leave and the truck starts 15 mins before i leave so everything is toasty for me.

Kory

 

[BRayls]

four pages of replys. only one post about heater life. it is not just an electric cost but heater as well when it fails. heating elements will not last forever and will fail sooner or later. less use = longer life. also do not start the engine with the heater plugged in as the cold water will shock the element, causing premature failure.

 

[rbattelle]

four pages of replys. only one post about heater life. it is not just an electric cost but heater as well when it fails. heating elements will not last forever and will fail sooner or later. less use = longer life. also do not start the engine with the heater plugged in as the cold water will shock the element, causing premature failure.

Exactly the same thing can be said of the engine itself: if it's running, you're wearing it out. What, exactly, wears out in a resistance heater? Does the wiring short out? Does the element "burn up"? What is the factory expected lifespan (in hours) for a resistive-element heater? Anyone know?



-Ryan

 

[gsbrockman]

also do not start the engine with the heater plugged in as the cold water will shock the element, causing premature failure.

Do you have any concrete evidence to substantiate this ?

I've often times started my truck, left it idling, and un-plug 10 minutes later, just prior to driving off. Never any issues here.

Greg

 

[CAgnoli]

I didn't think that starting the truck with the element on would hurt it. It's nice that that's in the owner's manual!



Thanks for the tip, I start the damn truck every morning with the block heater still plugged in... ... . Damn