Plug in discovery

[ERMiles]

This may be old news for some of you - I just was experimenting with the plug-in cold weather heater after replacing the electrical cord this fall (it burned through a part of the plastic grille before shorting out last winter). So I was reluctant to plug the new one in overnight when the temp went South (should be North) this winter. What I do now is plug it in in the morning when I first go out to feed the horses and it starts real easy when I'm ready to head to work in about an hour. No smoke or rough idling. This has worked well in temps around zero - hasn't gone below that yet - and saves a lot on the electrical bill.

 

[ScottB]

Sounds like you have a good system that works. I'm suprised that an hour is enough to warm it like that. I use a timer on the outlet and have it set for about 3 or 4 hours before i fire up.

 

[JLEONARD]

I have a timer as well, and have it set to be on for about three hours. It starts nice and gives me heat after only a few minutes, and was really nice last week when we had freezing rain.

By the way, I mesaured the engine temp with a heat gun on a 20 deg morning a few weeks ago... between 82 and 102 F (top side of the engine) depending on where I took the readings.

 

[ERMiles]

timer . . Gooood idea!

A timer is a good idea - I was hesitant to use one due to the problems I had with the first one. Evidently they handle the current OK? Do you use the basic home appliance type or a HD timer & if so, what one?

Thanks;

Smiles

 

[JLEONARD]

I have a heavy duty appliance timer. Don't remember the exact specs but I know I checked it out because I bought it specifically for a block heater (used it on my old VW for a couple of years).

It has a dial that rotates (the clock) with pins that move in or out to mechanically trip the on-off switch.

I'll get a make and model tonight when I get home and post it.

You can probably get one at home cheapo or lowes.

 

[JLEONARD]

Here's info on the timer:

Ingraham model #12-723

1875 Watts 15 amps 120 v

 

[f.boyle]

Espar: BRRRRR!

Right now it's 0* I haven't plugged my truck in yet. I haven't needed to she starts right up: usualy Lately I have it just started to go south of 15* I'v been thinking about those espar coolant heaters. I've heard they work great. I have a guy looking in on the price. I've been told theyre about $800 witch would be worth it when your out in the middle of no where in november!!It has a timer and every thing. www.espar.com is the web site. Keepem' warm!!

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Smiles,.....



I had the very same problem. I also met another fellow with a 1st Gen and he mentioned the same thing. Seems like the 'cord' thats used for the heater plug is not that great. Mine didn't short through the grill... . it shorted ME !! Woke me up to say the least. That explained why some times the heater seemed to work good and other times not too good.

I trimmed the plug off, and trimmed the wire back till no sign of discoloration and put on a new plug. Presto! much better.

I also see now that its looking a bit brittle so I'm gonna get a whole new cord.

FWIW.



Regards, Bob

 

[JFitzgerald]

Amp Draw

I believe I read in the manual that the block heater pulls about 6 amps at 120V. This might help when picking out a suitably rated timer.

 

[ERMiles]

Thanks for the info on the timer.

Bushwhacker - I'd recommend getting the new heater cord. It's a bit more rugged and I wonder if you really got to the core problem by replacing the plug. Did you put a voltage meter on it to check for resistance? It's stupid stuff like that flimsy wire that can convert your turbo into toast!