What block heater?

[red1ton]

While changing the oil yesterday, I saw what appeared to be a AC plug on the front passenger side of my truck's radiator. Mike told me that it was the block heater plug. I told him I didn't order the optional block heater. He said it's not an option. All the diesels have them?

He said that he uses it often to get the engine up to temp faster on cold mornings.

Does it really make a difference? How much power does it use? Our night time temps have been in the mid to low 40s. Not really that cold.

I am still learning about this truck.

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2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

 

[Jeff H]

I don't plug it in till its around 15 degrees outside.

 

[mbrolin]

I have my cord plugged into a timer. I usually use mine when it gets down to 35 deg or lower. It does make a difference on how it runs when cold. Plus I only have a 7 mile drive to work and it helps get the temps up faster. Use a heavy duty extension cord and buy a timer which is designed for block heaters. I got mine at True Value and paid about $20. I mine set to come on 3hours before I leave. Ive heard you only need one hour but I havent looked at the owners manual to verify this. Not sure about how much electricity it takes.

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB,my own design CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars,DeeZee bedrails,Isspro pyro and boost gauges(more to come)

 

[Jim Brewer]

On a related note, does anyone know what exactly the block heater heats? I've been using mine and regardless of how long I have it on, the temp still is pegged low for about the first 4-5 miles of driving.

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2001 2500,ETC,Auto,Quad,Driftwood,4x4,shortbed,Blaupunkt RDM168 "Alaska",Planet Audio P706 6x65W amp,JL audio stealth sub,novice bomber,expert motorcycle roadracer, <URL=http://www.bigstickracing.com/>http://www.bigstickracing.com/</URL>

 

[jkern]

the block heater warms the water jacket in the engine. it draw about 6. 5-7. 0 amps, which works out to be around 800 watts. your engine will thank you for plugging it in much below 40 degrees. bateries will last longer, cause less drain/recharge cycle (by the use of the intake grid heaters) engine oil pressure will come up quicker, (better lubercation) and engine will make heat quicker. i think the book says at least 3 hours plug in time before operation. i plug mine in all night (8-12 hours) and truck starts great in the morning even when temp is below 0.


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Jeremy Kern
1999 2500HD 4x4 QC,SB, ISB, 5spd, 3. 54LSD, 33x12. 50 cooper STT's Denver off-road bumper with Ramsey RE12000, PIAA series 520, Rancho RS9000's, heavy ft. springs, JVD Torque Enhancer, DiPricol boost and pryo gauges, and a bunch of other little things! www.geocities.com/phrn30 for pics!

 

[radixr]

Some of us plug them in no matter what the outside temperature is. The warmer the engine is when you start it, the better off you are.

I guess some of you CA guys don't have the option to plug in! #ad
#ad

 

[madams]

radixr . . now you know you didn't need to go there! #ad
But it's true!

I'm with jkern, things work better the warmer it is. On a cold day, I need to do about 5 miles to get heat out of the vents . With it plugged in . . about 2.

Grid heaters barely cycle when pre warmed, and with my 12 mile runs to work . . the head start helps.

Timer rated for 15 amps resistive load is all thats needed. I set it to come on about 3-4 hours before I leave.

One thing to make note of. The ol' lady will snatch it up for her christmas tree lights next season. When you're finished with it . . hide it! I've lost 2 timers and a bright yellow 12ga 50' extension cord. She swears they were her's before I bought the truck. Whatever!

Michael

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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups

my photos

 

[Big-D]

I leave mine plugged in all the time. Sometimes for days for that way the engine is warm if I need it in a hurry. The electrical draw is not enough to cause one to pursue another part-time position, but the added life to my engine is like money in the bank. Dave