How well does the block heater work?

J_T · 03-07-2008, 04:47 PM

HEy all...I don't live in real cold...mid 20s would be coldest but in 30's can be normal. But I just started using my block heater for cold starts.

When I do. the "Wait to start" light goes out quicker so Something is working...but I don't see any change in my Temp gauge or how fast the heater blows. Buddies talk about it blowing hot air when they get in and crank it. (they may be hot air).

Maybe Mine is doing what it should?

What do you all get out of it?

Thanks

JT

CumminsFan04 · 03-07-2008, 04:53 PM

Shouldn't be blowing hot air on start up. The block heater just makes it easier on the motor to start it in the morning and it does warm up faster too once you start driving it compared to it not being plugged in at all.

Also, you won't notice a difference in the temp. gauge either on start up.

paulm85 · 03-07-2008, 04:56 PM

It helps to bring the temp of the block up (obviously) but that will warm the fluids...oil and coolant and that will make the start up process much easier on the motor and in my experience will make the heater blow warm not hot depending on how long it is left on. It is good policy to plug in at temps below 50 in my opinion

Yellowstone · 03-07-2008, 04:57 PM

This winter has been terribly cold in WY, many times not getting above -10 for weeks at a time. I plug in my 07 and unless it is below -10 or -15 I don't get the wait to start all the time. The heater is not hot but but slightly warm, usually.

Buck08 · 03-07-2008, 04:57 PM

All t really does is keep the oil warmer for easier cold starts.

J_T · 03-07-2008, 05:17 PM

Well its making it easier to start...so I guess its doing its job!

scrinch · 03-07-2008, 06:21 PM

The block heater heats the coolant. It will make your engine reach operating temps faster and make your cab warmer faster as well as cutting engine wear on startup. Costs about 6 cents/hr in electric cost(in Maine) so if you put it on a timer and use it about 3 hrs before start up it probably saves $$$ over longer idle + warm up times with the current price of diesel.

ynots57 · 03-07-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_T

HEy all...I don't live in real cold...mid 20s would be coldest but in 30's can be normal. But I just started using my block heater for cold starts.

When I do. the "Wait to start" light goes out quicker so Something is working...but I don't see any change in my Temp gauge or how fast the heater blows. Buddies talk about it blowing hot air when they get in and crank it. (they may be hot air).

Maybe Mine is doing what it should?

What do you all get out of it?

Thanks

JT

Have you tried sticking a thermometer in the tail pipe and see what the temp is

j/k sorry, couldnt help myself.
Some morning pop the hood and feel the top of the engine. They dont get what you would call hot. There is some heat there that is why the grid heater doesnt stay on as long. The only time Ive seen any heat inside the cab at startup was on a ford 6 cyl. gasser with a circulation style tank heater.

Bomaster238 · 03-09-2008, 01:13 AM

next time you plug in the truck let it sit for about an hour and go out and see how warm the engine block is. it makes a difference haha.

ISX · 03-09-2008, 09:17 AM

I never feel any heat on mine.. Only time I did was when I left it plugged in for 24 hours.THEN I finally felt a warm radiator hose... I am told a cummins 8.3 heater will heat the hell out of these so I might get me one. The my ford plugged in for 8 hours will get the coolant over 100F (seeing as how my high idle never kicks on and it turns off at 112F leading me to believe it must be getting that hot)