Tank type heaters.....who uses one?

[R.E. Miller]

My block heater does not work and now I miss it. Instead of replacing it, I am thinking of installing a tank type heater pump like one Zerostart makes. I like the idea of having the coolant pumped and heated, but it scares me at the same time. If any one runs a tank type heater in their truck, let me know if they are worth the work, my local auto parts guy has two on sale, one for $23 and another for $40.

Thanks a lot!

Russell

 

[illflem]

I use the tank type on some of my tractors but not my Dodges. They work very well, in fact an hour is all it takes. The tank type heaters don't have pumps, they work on convection, hot water rises and replaces the cold. The stock block heater does the same thing, it also causes your coolant to circulate. I'd stick with the stock heater, it's easier and not too expensive. Before you replace your heater make sure it's really broken, they are a tough unit and usually only fail if run without coolant, something I don't think you've done. 99% of the time the problem is just the cord.

 

[R.E. Miller]

Thanks for the info, I'm going to go out and do a cord swap before I get a new one.



Russell

 

[QRTRHRS]

Russell,



If you have an ohmmeter, you may want to unscrew your cord and check the heater for shorts etc. first. I don't know what the resistance should be nor have I had trouble with my Ram's heater. I have had them short on tractors though and usually from corrosion.

 

[JohnE]

Bill;

You forgot to mention that most tank heaters run around 2,000 watts. That's nearly triple the factory supplied block heater.



-john

 

[illflem]

John, I knew the wattage was up there but couldn't remember how much. Like I said they are fast though and will burn out a light duty timer. The one's I use are 220 volts