I'm not entirely sure what the block heater does besides easy cold starts on glow plugs and less strain on battery. I have used it every day this week, unplug and turn ignition, the temp. gauge reads roughly 170 and as soon as I start the engine, the temp. falls back to minimum reading. I was under the impression that the heater not only helps starts the engine, but isn't it suppose to already have the engine warm with heat coming out??? help please.

How long are you leaving it plugged in?

is the grill cover on, will help. block heater heats water and block, as soon as you start engine water pump circulates water and pulls cold water into engine, temp drops but not as much as cold start. without grill cover as you drive air will take away the heat you want in cab and takes longer to get warmed up.

The block heater is only heating the water in the engine and the engines block. I think the block heater is their to make cold starting easier but not make the heater warm too. When I use mine it will be warm by the time I get to the freeway.

Bentley

i plug in at usually 12 am....unplug at 7:35, what do you mean by the grill cover?