Multiple block heater install - Best spots?

[PrivatePilot]

Ok, I was going to opt for an inline (lower hose) coolant heater this year but decided on second thought to just go for the good old block heater.

Aside from the stock location, does anyone have any opinions on the best spot for a second heater, preferably on the opposite side of the block? Has anyone done a multiple heater install in a 6.5? I've found reference to it on other sites but not a lot of details.

I'd like to do a 1000w heater on one side (I believe it should fit on the stock side) and a secondary 600/700w unit on the opposite side. 1600 watts at 120v will yield about a 13.5 amp draw which works fine for a 15a receptacle I have in the garage, leaving a few amps for a pan heater I have in mind as well.

I want to go massive overkill on the block heaters as I want to be able to get the engine HOT before starting this winter. I live in a newer residential subdivision and I honestly HATE cold starting my truck in the winter early in the morning as I'm sure it wakes everybody up in 5 houses in all directions. I'm hoping that with a crap-ton of wattage heating things up I can get the engine up to near operating temperature before I even start it up, so hopefully it will startup to the much quieter 6.5 "hot engine" noise level.

It purrs when it's hot...it rattles the dead alive when stone cold, as I'm sure any experienced 6.5 owner who lives in cold climates can agree with.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[JorgeNY]

I often thought about adding an additional block heater also. I would think in the middle pass side freeze plug would be a good spot. Might have to remove starter and braket.

[edzzed]

would it help to get a magnetic oil pan heater. Princess auto sells them. On edit I should have read the part about a pan heater in your thread

[Tommygunner]

You can put a bazillion watts to that old iron and it will still rattle when you start it up cold.
You and your neighbors will have to learn to live with it . It is just the nature of the old beast.
Just tell your neighbors its the "Sweet sound of Sucuess".

[Sergeant Dudz]

Lol ^

[PrivatePilot]

Originally Posted by Tommygunner

You can put a bazillion watts to that old iron and it will still rattle when you start it up cold.

Not so sure about that. I see no reason why, if the engine isn't at operating temperature when started, the ECM won't adjust the timing accordingly and the whole death-rattle thing will be avoided.

Like I said...a warm 6.5 purrs. I can slip in and out of my driveway when arriving home from work (engine hot) and nobody even hears me...but I guarantee they hear me in the morning.

The bigger question is if 1600-1700 watts of block heater will effectively get the engine to this point, or not..

I'll be sure to post details in this thread with the results - I have a digital CTS readout (from the OBD buss) so I'll be able to turn the key on in the mornings and see exactly what the coolant temp is before starting.

[racer55]

You can only put a block heater where the cylinder walls and core plugs align to leave enough room to fit it,not all core holes allow that room.

Some type specific block heaters instructions tell where they can be used.

Hey Mark,your old block is still here-we could knock out all the frost plugs and check what holes allow for a block heater,unless there is a map somewhere on google.

[4thesporty]

Originally Posted by racer55

Hey Mark,your old block is still here-we could knock out all the frost plugs and check what holes allow for a block heater,unless there is a map somewhere on google.

^^^^This is a good idea

[Octane]

id just take a old ironing iron and glue it to the side of the block, problem solved ,

so far this witner it got down to about -8C and i tried to see if she'd start, which to much lugging surprise it had, (testing to make sure its snowmobiling worthy lol it gets left out in the cold for a while)

but when i plug er in and motors even mildly warm.... she doesnt clack so friggin loud! it almost purrs,

i wonder also if because i have my injectors pop set to 1300 if that makes them louder? because my truck compared to all other 6.5's ive seen is alot louder and clacks more, but im the only 6.5 around with a hx40 and a chip

[sctrailrider]

I think the block heaters I have seen have a self limit to them, they will only get so hot then turn off, a thermostat built in me thinks... I think 2 heaters would heat up faster than 1 , but I don't think it would get hotter ???? I might be wrong about this ....