2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission When To Plug-in The Block Heater

[EMD Diesel Power]

I plugged in when it got below 40--- had it on a timer for a couple hours before startup. Power was cheap where I was.



word of caution though... . make sure the end of the plug is covered..... road salt will give u a nasty surprise, even if it isnt obvious.



I plugged in after getting home one morning and electrocuted myself and burned the end of the plug right out. LOL couldnt see for about 5 minutes. Was just like a arc welder.



no damage to the cord or the heater... just swapped out the plug and BOMB'd it a little. hehe





Just my observations... . I miss the truck. wish the dam economy would straighten around, cant do much unemployed.

 

[Adam]

Oil pan heaters

I've had two CTD's in Alaska now, and I can say without a doubt that the oil pan heaters are every bit as important as the block heater. If you've never seen a quart of Rotella 15-40 at -40, you can't truly understand. As an experiment, I put a screwdriver in the mouth of a gallon of Rotella 15-40 and stuck it on my front porch at -40 for three hours. At the end of three hours, I was able to pick the gallon jug up by the handle of the screwdriver and watch the jug slide slowly of the shaft. The oil was the consistency of molasses. Delo 15-40 is better, but I still switch to 10-40 when the temps get below 20. You don't even want to THINK about the gear lube at these temps! Back to the oil pan heaters. I have two pads, one on each side of the oil pan sump. They stick with silicone RTV, and I've never had a problem with them falling off. If you don't have time to let the RTV set before you have to use it, a piece of duct tape works just fine, and the heaters don't get hot enough to melt the duct tape, much less hurt the oil in the pan.

-Adam

 

[grtescpa]

Re: Oil pan heaters

Originally posted by Adam

I've had two CTD's in Alaska now, and I can say without a doubt that the oil pan heaters are every bit as important as the block heater. If you've never seen a quart of Rotella 15-40 at -40, you can't truly understand. As an experiment, I put a screwdriver in the mouth of a gallon of Rotella 15-40 and stuck it on my front porch at -40 for three hours. At the end of three hours, I was able to pick the gallon jug up by the handle of the screwdriver and watch the jug slide slowly of the shaft. The oil was the consistency of molasses. Delo 15-40 is better, but I still switch to 10-40 when the temps get below 20. You don't even want to THINK about the gear lube at these temps! Back to the oil pan heaters. I have two pads, one on each side of the oil pan sump. They stick with silicone RTV, and I've never had a problem with them falling off. If you don't have time to let the RTV set before you have to use it, a piece of duct tape works just fine, and the heaters don't get hot enough to melt the duct tape, much less hurt the oil in the pan.

-Adam

Thats why I switched to Amsoil. Synthetic all the way on everything.

 

[RAMSTER21]

Plug it in

I'm in Fairbanks Alaska, and we know about cold.



Personal experience and that of others. I plug in at about 10 above and always if the overnight low is predicted to be colder.



Much easier starting and warms up faster.

 

[gtobey]

Engine Heater -when to use

I live in Troutville, Va. We have about the same temps as you. I agree with the folks that say about 40 degrees, plug it in. I have a timer on my cord that turns it on about 2AM and I leave at 7AM. The engine reaches operating temp after about 5-7 miles depending on outside temp. while I'm going down I-81 about 60MPH. The thing is that not only does it drive better, (less clatter), but you get heat faster, and the air intake heater (wait light) goes off about 5-6 seconds instead of 10-12 seconds. (uses less current before you engage the starter). Maybe I'm too easy on the engine, but I don't wind it up (over 21-2200 rpm) until the temp gauge reads about 160-165 degrees. You don't have to plug it in as it will start in really low temps. It just helps it out. Just like us, it will complain a bit if we have to get out in 20 degree weather and run a marathon if we're not warmed up...

 

[rchall]

MR gtobey



I LIVE IN MARTINSVILLE, AND TRAVEL TO SALEM EVERY DAY WHERE I WORK FOR THE CITY OF SALEM IN THE REAL ESTATE OFFICE THERE. i HAVE START TO PLUG MY TRUCK EVERY NIGHT WHEN I GET IN FROM WORK. DO WE HAVE A TDR CHAPTER HERE IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY??



RICKY C HALL

TAG: ME NCOLE

-- email address removed --



2002 Ram: RED/SILVER, NUFF REALS, STOCK EQUIP.

 

[JTMcCracken]

Hey Adam, what brand of heaters do you have on the oil pan??? Thanks, JTMcC.

 

[Adam]

Ummm

JT,



I don't know what brand name they are. They came from the local NAPA store, but up here everybody (even K-Mart) carries 'em. One name brand that seems to stick in my head is "Zero-frost", but there's no telling how long it's been since I last saw it. I've had my dealer winterize my vehicles starting in '96 when I had to replace all the components of my home install after it shorted at the junction box. Now it's covered under warranty. The pads come in all sizes and heat ranges (50W-500W) and cost between $7 and $15. Sorry I couldn't help more. If I get a chance, I'll stop by NAPA and see what they are.



-Adam