What overnite temps do you guys usually start using the block heater?

Thanks

I plug mine in around -15* celsius (5* fahrenheit)

FWIW - The block heater cord failed on my Dad's 97 6.5 TD and the overnight temp hit -35* celsius (-31* fahrenheit). The truck started - barely- and it poured white smoke for a good 10 minutes.

Bet it woke the dead that morning!!

Don't know an exact "specification" to use the block heater. Around here, it will start on the coldest of days, but not exactly well.

I have a switch inside the house to power my outdoor outlet where the block heater can plug into. I can leave plugged in all the time, but switch on a few hours before needing it.

My theory is: a few hours of warm up, even if it will start okay, will reduce the work that the starter has to do. The oil is warmer, flows easier. It's just an all around better way to get things done.

In Western Oregon, humidity plays a role in starting. I plug it in when temps drop into the 20F range. Oftentimes, it's foggy and 28 degrees here. Block heater eliminates starter drag and excessive cranking. I have it on a H.D. (30 amp) timer, three hours does it here.

If using a timer, remember, high wattage = high current. Don't start a fire in your shop/garage from a timer or extension cord that are too light-duty to carry the current of the block heater! Minimum 12 ga. cord, designed for 120volt/20 amp circuit!

I know, "Old Fire Chief stuff" again, but I've battled the results too often. Not fun!

Under 0 Celsius, especially when it hasn't move for 2 days or more.

I'm more in line with Daniel than ChrisK1500. Basically if overnight temps are supposed to go below 40*F I plug in. I'm on a timer and that gets me 2 to 4 hrs of heat before heading out in the morning. That said, it's started after being parked all weekend in 0* temps with no heater, albeit with difficulty. I figure the electric is cheap and it spins so much easier after bieng plugged in a bit.

Me too. Right around freezing is where I like to plug in. Like everyone else has said, warm oil, easy starts, and as a bonus the interior is warm withing a matter of a couple minutes idling in the driveway! Very important around here when you have leather but not heated leather. The wife is bugging me to put heat in the seats all the time. Does that equal permision to buy a dmax?:eek: I'm sorry, shouldn't use the four letter word around here like that!:joke:

When yall plug yalls block heater in does it make a big diff on your power bill? Especially for those that leave it plugged in all night!?!?

Power consumption is based on wattage. Most block heaters are 650 - 1300 watts. The way I read my bill, if I leave it on overnight, ten hours @ 650 watts is 6.5 kwh (killowatt hours) added to my electric meter's reading! Rates per kwh are listed on the power bill. Add it up and see if it's worth it. It is to me!

With the price of fuel these days, i figure it's worth the elctricity you put in.:exactly:

When yall plug yalls block heater in does it make a big diff on your power bill? Especially for those that leave it plugged in all night!?!?

Get a long cord and run it to your neighbours house;) :lol: .

Get a long cord and run it to your neighbours house;) :lol: .
I do that with my christmas lights, now you really got me thinking..):h

Diesel supplement on the block heater

With the price of fuel these days, i figure it's worth the elctricity you put in.:exactly:

Same question I have for the electric car guys; how is the electricity generated?????????

Here,.....:cool2: hydro dams.

Here,.....:cool2: hydro dams.

Ya but how much are you paying per kilowatt/hour?

.0633kw/h here in Québec.

The point I was making is that by pluginig it 3 hours or so before departure is beneficial to you and your truck.

I don't know the consumption of a cold engine at startup vs a warmer one, but it seemed logical to mee to plug it.

[QUOTE=Daniel Simard;731463The point I was making is that by pluginig it 3 hours or so before departure is beneficial to you and your truck.
I don't know the consumption of a cold engine at startup vs a warmer one, but it seemed logical to mee to plug it.[/QUOTE]



I agree as long as it doesn't drive the electric bill up $50 a month. Doesn't get as cold here as it does your way either.

I'll plug mine in, thank you. The ease of starting and thoughts of extra work on the truck make the decision a no-brainer. If it works, use it! I can generate extra income to pay the power bill a lot easier then replacing starters, glo-plugs or, heaven forbid, working on the engine sooner than necessary because I didn't plug it in. GM wouldn't have gone to the expense to install it if it didn't need to be there!