Is a Block Heater really necessary?

[David Pendleton]

Necessary?

Getting back to your original question...



No, I've never found one to be necessary. My 01 CTD started (unplugged) even when it was 40 below. It didn't like it much, but it started (and ran).



If I remember right, the block heater runs at a few hundred watts, and heats the engine coolant to about 120 degrees. I only used mine when it got below 0 in my garage and I wanted heat (right away) the next morning. I was never worried about starting.



Hard on the engine this way? Maybe, I run a Rotella 30W in the winter, maybe that helps. I don't know.



If you're plugging in at 40 degrees, you might as well plug in at 60... I don't think it's doing anything for you above 32 degrees.



David

 

[Blakers]

Re: Necessary?

Originally posted by David Pendleton

I run a Rotella 30W in the winter, maybe that helps.

Before the 15W-40 was popular, I used to run SAE 30 weight in the summer and SAE 10W weight in the winter. That 30 was very slow to pour in the winter. I doubt if my old Benz diesel would have turned over with that in there.