when to plug it in block heater

[vaicase]

at what temp do you plug in your block heater?the book from the dealer says -20 mine is a 2004. 5 ,tuesday morning at 15 above it started [perfect. what temp do i plug in? thanks

 

[Boonieman]

Normally the truck doesn't even need the block heater to get it started. I've started mine before in the single digit temperatures while it sat in the parking lot at work overnight where there was no electrical outlet available. It fired right up. If I'm at home and I know it's going to be pretty cold overnight I do plug it in just to help defrost the windshield quicker, not to mention the heater.

 

[bmoeller]

I've only had to plug my '97 in to help it start ONCE. Mostly because the batterries wouldn't turn it over fast enough.



Normally, I plug it in around 30-40* or below. Do it because the oil pressure comes up quicker and the heater warms you up qiucker.

 

[rbattelle]

Asking when the plug in the block heater is like asking when should you change from wearing shorts to long pants... it's mostly personal opinion. I plug in whenever overnight temps are below 40. The engine would start just fine without the heater, but I want to help warm the oil as much as possible and bring the engine up to temp as quick as possible when I begin to drive.



Whatever you do, remember to unplug the block heater before driving away.

 

[BRayls]

I like the rest plug in if its going to be below 35 or so at night. I however use a timer to set it for about 2-3 hours before I leave. no reason to run the heater all night ,it is warm in a couple hours. bad battery is only reason I ever had truck not start from temps and unplugged(97 truck not the 03 ).