I have done a search, but the page is not responding, so I thought I would ask before I flip over and Google it. . .<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />


I feel that I need to plug in my truck this winter (it's my first winter with diesel). But I cant find the plug, is it an option? I bought this truck used, and am supposed that I cant find it, Do I need one?


I park out side, NW Ark. Our winters are low 30's at night 45ish during the day with cold snaps below 0 are not uncommon 20's are expected but not regular. I am a duck hunter so cranking below freezing is very common.


is the plug necessary or just help with worm up time?


if there standard where is it? I have not looked hard, but looked, Low tonight is 35, would like to plug it in if I can.

I think the engine heater is standard on all Duramax's. It is a little hard to find. There was some pictures of were it was located but I did a search and can not find it, the search is real slow tonight. It is tied to some other stuff just under and behind the air cleaner I was not able to see it but I felt it when I found it. I wouldn't plug it in until it gets below 10 to 15 outside. I started mine last winter without being plugged in and it was down to -20, I let the wait to start light go out shut the key off and then let it go out again. I was a little rough at first but after a minute it leveled out. Edited by: BIGMoe

The plug-in is located on the passenger side of the engine. It is easier to access from below, and even easier if you remove the plastic inner fender well. It comes from the factory wrapped up; you have to free it from its stowed condition to use it.

I don't usually plug mine in unless its -15°C or so thats around 5° on the ole Farenheit scale for you southern gentlemen.

I would not plug it in unless it gets below 20 deg. like BIGMoe said. I would also use a timer device so that it only kicks on the heater two hours before you need to start it. No need to cook the oil all night long and waist electricity.

CJATE,


I am in the same situation. This is my first winter with my 01 Duramax and I live in Omaha, but I have to work in Fayetteville, Ar about every week or so. I have not been able to find the heater cord either. I also stay in a lot of hotels, so finding a parking space close to an outside outside power outlet. I am hoping that I do not have to use it alot. Thanks for bringing up the post.

I make the dealer pull the cord out to the front end before taking delivery.


We have power outlets for diesels here but I don't use them on day shift.


Starts fine below zero.

I followed the recommendations of a few here with mine. The plug
is contained in the black plastic electrical pipe (forget the actual
term) as stated above. I just cut the black tape away and the
plastic zip tie and re-routed it to the tow hook. Zip-tied it
there and resealed all with black electrical tape.



When the search works - I found all my info doing a search on "block heater plug". Lots of good info there!

It took me awhile to find the block heater cord, but finally found it wire tied on the passengerside between the block and the suspension. You gotta look for it 'cause it doesn't jump out at ya (use a good light). Living in Southern Indiana it doesn't get all that cold mostly in the high 20s and 30s, but I plug mine in every night. It is also on a HD timer that kicks it on @ 04:00. I think this is easier on the batteries and starting system if it's prewarmed before startup. My $.02 worth.
JP

Once it hits winter I plug mine in even if its going to be 30-40 degrees. I like instant heat and its easier on the truck although not needed. I dont watch the weather so I have no idea if its going to be 40 that night or 10 below. I bought an outdoor lawn timer and have it kick on 1.5 or so before I take off, unless I know its been really cold lately and then i will set it to 3 hours or so. Overkill I know but its easier on the truck and I like instant heat.

I would plug mine in anytime below freezing. In the two and a
half years I've had the truck, its only been plugged in twice,
though. I carry a 50' cold weather extension cord in the truck,
through the winter.



Many opinions. Whatever suits you.





P.S. Drape cord over mirror, so you don't forget to unplug. I do anyway. I don't wake up too quickly, anymore.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley12.gif


Edited by: Max Owner

Anyone know how much current it draws?



Thanks,

Dennis

Forget the plug, make sure you use the lower bra through the winter months to keep the frigid air of the tranny cooler It makes quite a difference in running temperature. Once the temperatures get into the 20F's use the rad bra.


You may notice in the cold the rad fan runs on start up which is quite noisy, this will continue until the rad puts some heat on the fan viscous coupling.


by the way I have not had any trouble starting in -35F and -40F temperatures on 2 year old batteries


good luck

F or C?



Gadzooks thats cold. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif



Where in Ontario?

Does it really matter? -40F = -40c.


I too can confirm that the duramax's start well in that temperature range. Snoman would never believe me though. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/hihi.gif

It helps to have the correct oil viscosity as well..

I would not plug it in unless it gets below 20 deg. like BIGMoe said. I would also use a timer device so that it only kicks on the heater two hours before you need to start it. No need to cook the oil all night long and waist electricity.





That is what I do in Co.

baimpala, mine pulls 7.5 amps X 117 v = 877.5 watts. Later! Frank

Frank,



Thanks, I guess the 15A timer I got will work perfectly, then.



Dennis

I'm with Ratlover on this. If it's going to be below 40F, I plug it in. It's way easier on the motor, the wind shield barely frosts (not sure why), and you have instant heat.

its supposed to be a 1000W heater from what i remember





mines on a timer, 2 hours before i leave, electricity is too much to leave it on any longer!!!

My truck has set in -20 temperatures for a week or two at deer camp, and I have never had a problem starting it.


I've had my truck for two years and the cord is still wraped up where the factory put it.

I have had this truck up in Vermont minus 10 degrees F and no problem starting at all.

I plug mine in every night, remote start about 15 min before I leave for work. Set the auto-start to 2 hours with a 30 min runtime, It's usually running waiting for me when we finish with PT in the morning.

It got to -15 the other night, depends on cloud cover. Probably going to just take a piece of cardboard and put it between the front grill and the mounting brackets for the radiator, since I don't really have the money to buy a cold front anytime soon.

Spoolin Turbo,



I think you could make your own fairly easily. It may not look as
good as the Cloud rider, but would work. Get yourself a piece of
plexiglass or lexan and some rubber matting. Cut them carefully
to the size of your grill. Then cut a few 1/2" long pieces of
rubber hose, and drill through the lexan and rubber. Use some big
fender washers, and some rubber trimmed to the same size. Then
put some bolts through the lexan and rubber on front of the grill,
through the hose, into the grill and secure with the rubber washers,
the fender washers and some nyloc nuts. . . probably could make the
whole thing for about 20 bucks.



Dennis

Sounds like an idea... guess you don't want to see some ghettofied bowtie driving down the Alcan anytime soon ;)

Talk to max power, he should be able to hook you up with a bling bling cloud rider cover for reasonable. I sold my factory winter cover for shipping, might try sticking something in the wanted section and see if somebody has one they arnt using. I'd chew on the dealer though for not including a winter cover for a diesel in AK thoughhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif

I bought the truck in alabama... they didn't even know it came stock with a block heater. I had to have them find the plug, since I knew it came with one but I had no clue where to look.

Bling isn't my thing. Grey metallic truck, black accessories.

Holy freeze your nuts off Batman. We just broke the freezing
point last night, for the first time. Up here in the land of
igloos and eskimos and cold beer.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif

The link to find the cord is :http://www.kennedydiesel.com under tech tips.


Ben

Max power also sells a black coated one too IIRC for the anti bling aproachhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif


There are a bunch of people buying aftermarket covers, keep your eyes peeled and they will probably be willing to offload the stocker.