Idleup and block heater

[CSkal]

Does the automatic idle-up feature still engage if the block heater is used, or would I have to use the on-demand high idle in this situation?

 

[RRees]

CSkal,

I'll let you know. I'll be plugging my truck in over the weekend and see what happens.

I'm not sure what temp it has to be out to activate the automatic idle-up.



I did have the dealer enable the on-demand feature though.



p. s. How do you like your Jacobs E-Brake? I'm thinking of getting one.

 

[brista]

Does the automatic idle-up feature still engage if the block heater is used, or would I have to use the on-demand high idle in this situation?

It will still work if ambient temps are low enough.

 

[CSkal]

p. s. How do you like your Jacobs E-Brake? I'm thinking of getting one.

I like the Jacobs brake. While I don't do any towing or hauling of heavy loads, I bought it for better warmup in cold weather and to extrend the life of my service brakes.

Oh yeah, the other (questionable) benefit: ticking off tailgaters when they realize that you're slowing down but "hey, no brake lights!?!" Funny to see the nose of the car behind you dive when they figure it out; that's only when I am feeling a little evil! #@$%!


Alot of guys around here swear by the BD or Pacbrake and that they provide more braking power, but I wanted to avoid any warranty issues in the future.

 

[RRees]

The block heater does work. My normal commute is only 11 miles to work.

I would guess (didn't actually check), that I only drove about 5 or 6 miles before the guage was near the 200 degree mark. Note: Outside air temp was about 28 degrees F. It was nice to have somewhat warm air right out of the driveway.



My truck is normally garaged, so that helps quite a bit too. Garage temp was 64 degrees F.



p. s. I checked with my local dealer and they want $1795. 00 installed for the factory approve Jacobs exhaust brake. I'm still thinking about that one.

 

[CSkal]

p. s. I checked with my local dealer and they want $1795. 00 installed for the factory approve Jacobs exhaust brake. I'm still thinking about that one.

Ouch! IIRC, I paid $1190 for the brake kit and about $160 for installation, part and installation from my Dodge dealer. To top it off, it was the first one that they ever installed; they did a nice job.

Your dealer has got to be able to do better than $1795 (I would hope)!

 

[JasonCzerak]

The block heater does work. My normal commute is only 11 miles to work.

I would guess (didn't actually check), that I only drove about 5 or 6 miles before the guage was near the 200 degree mark. Note: Outside air temp was about 28 degrees F. It was nice to have somewhat warm air right out of the driveway.



My truck is normally garaged, so that helps quite a bit too. Garage temp was 64 degrees F.



p. s. I checked with my local dealer and they want $1795. 00 installed for the factory approve Jacobs exhaust brake. I'm still thinking about that one.

I run no faster then 40mph on my 6 mile commute. block heater out side for 8 hours + running 4th gear and a dozen stops at lights once I hit the parking lot at work finally ='s 200 degrees on the temp, just in time to shut things down



I'm looking for a winter front kit once I pay my first set of bills at the new house.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Quick FYI, Running the eng with the block heater plugged in can result in a burned out heater element. Mechanic freind tells me it has something to do with bubbles or air pockets that cause the element to dry fire. I've seen it happen.



Scotty

 

[RRees]

Praire Dog,



Thanks for the FYI. I'll remember not to do that.



Here's another FYI, not related to the subject. Don't put the 7 to 6 plug trailer adapter on your bumper and then lower the tailgate.



Fortunately for me, it place a small dent right below the drivers side Heavy Duty signage and near the dealer's plastic sticker. It couldn't have happend at a better place. I ordered the Cummins Turbo Diesel Emblem and it covered it up completely.

And this was when the truck was only 5 weeks old.



Later.

 

[JasonCzerak]

Quick FYI, Running the eng with the block heater plugged in can result in a burned out heater element. Mechanic freind tells me it has something to do with bubbles or air pockets that cause the element to dry fire. I've seen it happen.



Scotty

I'm sure a a minute of both the motor and block heater wont' hurt anything?



I some times let the truck cool after I pull into work/home and go plug it in and all that prior to shutting down.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I'm sure a a minute of both the motor and block heater wont' hurt anything?



I some times let the truck cool after I pull into work/home and go plug it in and all that prior to shutting down.

Your probably rite, it may not hurt it if the eng has been running awhile and then it's plugged in because the coolant wont have any air in it.

I just wish there was an indicator on the dash so you cant accidentily drive away with it plugged in. You only do that once (but that was when I drove a chevy so a busted grill only added to it's patina )

 

[JasonCzerak]

Your probably rite, it may not hurt it if the eng has been running awhile and then it's plugged in because the coolant wont have any air in it.

I just wish there was an indicator on the dash so you cant accidentily drive away with it plugged in. You only do that once (but that was when I drove a chevy so a busted grill only added to it's patina )

I've done it once my self



But to prevent it further, I always have my truck parked in the driveway so that I'm forced to walk in front of the truck to get to the drivers door. there for I can't miss it cuz I have to stop over the cord.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Cold coolant hitting a hot heating element can break the element. DO NOT RUN YOUR ENGINE WITH THE HEATER PLUGGED IN. So says my mechanic.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That actually makes more sense than the bubble theory.

 

[raksasa]

Regarding forgetting to unplug the heater, I attach a clothespin to my sunvisor and leave the sunvisor down whenever I plug in my block heater. Sort of a "Remove before flight" banner to help me remember to disconnect the plug.

 

[MyDiesel]

I have two key chains. One with just a couple of small keys and pin knife. I put one of those keys in the ignition. Easy fit, keeps me from starting with block heater pluged in.

Thanks RRees, sun is up enough now, I have to go see if I have a dent from towing my boat to storage Saturday. :--)



Just checked, no contact with my adaptor possible on my 2006.

 

[CBrahs]

Cold coolant hitting a hot heating element can break the element. DO NOT RUN YOUR ENGINE WITH THE HEATER PLUGGED IN. So says my mechanic.

Correct me if I am wrong but the element is submersed in cold coolant so the temp of the coolant and element would be the same. They are designed to warm the block/coolant. How many of us have been in a situation where we did not plug in the truck at night and wake up to sub freezing temps? I have never had a problem with any of my block heaters when this happens.

 

[pservano]

I wrapped the extension cord around my driver side mirror, just to ensure I don't forget to unplug the cord before I drive off.