lowest temp before needing engine block heater?

[JAlford]

Just picked up my 2016 3500 crew cab, will be heading up to frigid cold temps soon. I need to add an engine block heater, but was curious what temps the 4th gen will crank without being plugged in? It was only 9deg F here this AM, and the truck cranked immediately with no issues, but don't want to get stranded either.
Jeff

 

[Mingoglia]

I believe the number is around -20, assuming you have winter fuel. In the lower 48 I believe the block heater is more to reduce wear and make startups easier, more than it is to insure it will start, particularly if you drive it regularly. I'd still add the plug, but I wouldn't worry about it not starting until you do. I know in my second gen I started it without a heater at -8. It started, but the engine wanted to jump out of the engine bay it vibrated so much. I swear the whole truck was rocking back and forth.

Oh, disclaimer, I'm from AZ so don't listen to what I say....smarter folks will chime in and either confirm or deny my response. :-laf

 

[kthaxton]

I don't recall exactly......but your owners manual covers it.

 

[GBBrown]

Zero and below. Just so it don't shake,rattle, and roll.

 

[JAlford]

If it is below 20F, my 99 doesn't want to crank easily, and really pitches a fit of spitting and sputtering. I only had it not crank once at 0F, and the VP44 died. I just keep it plugged in if it is below freezing, it is ready to go that way.

I was really surprised that a truck sold in Ohio didn't have a block heater.
Jeff

 

[Mingoglia]

I will say my '15 starts great at 18, as that's what it was at here in GA this morning. Started as good as it does at 60.

 

[kthaxton]

It seems I've heard many, many people say that all current Cummins engines have the block heater already installed, you just need to buy the cable and plug if yours wasn't equipped with it.

 

[Mingoglia]

It seems I've heard many, many people say that all current Cummins engines have the block heater already installed, you just need to buy the cable and plug if yours wasn't equipped with it.

That is correct. All you need is this:
http://www.genosgarage.com/product/heater-cable-fl/winter

 

[GBBrown]

That is correct. All you need is this:
http://www.genosgarage.com/product/heater-cable-fl/winter

Good luck getting it plugged to the heater.

 

[Newsa]

Getting that antifreeze/coolant warmed up before cranking it is better for the engine. Less wear. If's making alot of noise and giving alot of vibration, you probably should have plugged it in.

 

[gsbrockman]

Good luck getting it plugged to the heater.

It's actually a piece of cake.....providing one removes the intake ductwork on a '13 & newer 3500 or a '14 & newer 2500.

 

[Newsa]

I installed this one.

http://www.genosgarage.com/product/wd-bhp-10/winter

I plugged it into the heater in the engine block several times. The cheap plastic clip that 's supposed to hold it on the engine side detetiorates as the engine heats up repeatedly. So I kept having to put it back on each time it fell off.

So I bought a metal hose clamp to clamp it on there. Now it stays.

 

[JohnCW]

It seems I've heard many, many people say that all current Cummins engines have the block heater already installed, you just need to buy the cable and plug if yours wasn't equipped with it.

I have a 2011, the block heater cord took a Search Warrant to locate, it was dang near impossible to find, not as bad as the grease fitting, but never the less it was not obvious . Located behind the passenger side tow hook area. Just saying, you might want to take a long gander.

John

 

[JR]

Cummins has historically recommended 0F and below to be plugged in.

 

[brcbruiser]

The diesel supplement, pg. 74 & 80 says its recommended for temps below -10 deg F. It pulls 6.5 amps at 110VAC. It als says it should be plugged in at least two hours prior to start.

 

[brcbruiser]

It also says the warmup procedure when it's below 32 deg F. is to bring the engine up to operating speed slowly by using it at moderate speeds for 5 minutes before applying full load.

 

[TCDiesel]

I don't plug mine in it was -38 started right up last Dec14 3 nights -38 -33 -30 ,Proper grade High quality synthetic oil is the trick. 5-40 or 5-30.Back in 2005 My 2003 was not Plugged in it was -45 it was the only Truck in the parking lot that started.

 

[slingshot383]

Another thing that helps once it is started is to have the winter front on. The engine still gets plenty of airflow up from under the bumper, just not the straight in rush of air.

 

[Mingoglia]

I like that the new trucks will high idle right away if it's cold. I started up this morning with the key fob a few minutes before leaving, was "only" 21 and it was high idling when I got in (and also turned the heated drivers seat and heated steering wheel by itself). Temp needle started to move off C by the time I got to the end of my block.

 

[Newsa]

You will be saving a small amount of fuel every day if you plug it in