What do you guys think about oil pan heaters as an alternative to a block heater? I'm thinking about the kind like he sells at Kennedy Diesel. Seems like it might not make as much top end heat for starting, but might be much better for engine life since you won't start with sludge-like oil. Also, much easier to install.

Your warming two different fluids. The block heater is good for cold starts etc to help with the start up, the oil pan heater is good so that your oil flows faster. I dont think I would use one to replace the other or vice versa. Both serve a seperate purpose

I use both! I will always use both. I plug in at home with a timer and at work let them pay the electricity bill! :ro)

Ben

Is any particular brand best for the coolant heaters? I assume you all use the freeze plug style?

My truck came with it already installed.

Ben

I was told that the engine block heater is standard on the engine. Look for the plug near the passenger side battery. I followed some others recommendations and routed the plug up through the front and tie wrapped it to the tow hook. I had to cut a couple of tie wraps and some electrical tape in order to free enough cord from its wiring loom. A search on "block heater" should turn up some old posts on this topic.

I was told that the engine block heater is standard on the engine. Look for the plug near the passenger side battery. I followed some others recommendations and routed the plug up through the front and tie wrapped it to the tow hook. I had to cut a couple of tie wraps and some electrical tape in order to free enough cord from its wiring loom. A search on "block heater" should turn up some old posts on this topic.
Well, I have a 1985 6.2L, so it's probably not standard. I can certainly check.

I also use both. On one of the 6.2's, I'd definately have a block heater if you ever venture north of Florida. I like oil pan heaters because they actually reduce wear from extremely cold weather starts, but they aren't the best from a pure "make it start or else" standpoint.

On a Duramax, block heaters aren't really necessary. They start like champs in really cold weather. This doesn't mean that cold weather starts aren't hard on them, though. This is why I like oil pan heaters.

Wolverine and Pro-Heat (available from Kennedy) are both good brands.

Thanks. No particular brand for the block heaters? I could just take whatever they have locally, but given that the install is somewhat painful, I'd rather pay a little extra for a quality product.

Block, oil, and tranny heaters here. Oil and tranny are the silicone pads from NAPA.