This pass week there was a cold snap. I made a test cord to see what the amperage pull was on the block heater, which I beleive is 1000 Watts from other post. On 12/12/05 9:30 PM engine warm (been running) Temp was 25 F. degrees Amps=6.9; 10:30PM temp=24.8 F. Amps=6.4;12/13/05 1 AM temp.=18.4 F.Amps=6.5; 6;30 AM Temp.=15.6 F. Amps 6.6.That night on 12/13/05 Engine cold 5:20PM Temp. 20 F. Amps 6.5; 11 PM Temp. 17.3 F. Amps 6.8; morning at 6 am Temp. 10.1 F. Amps 6.1
I took a test on my toaster in the house and the amperage was 5.9 just for a comparison.
I hope this will help any one who would like to know this information.

I was looking for this info, most of the timers that I have found are rated at 10 or 15 amps. Do you happen to know how long it takes for the block heater to get to max temperature at 10*F?

Good to know, GMC-Dmax. And a LOT of detailed information! I think you just qualified AAAA!

Hi, thanks a lot for this information ! I need this info, because want to use a special transformer 220/110V.....here in Germany. :)
Felix

Felix how cold does it get where you are? Any transformer rated for 10 amps at 110 volts should work fine. Also, the frequency over there is 50hz I beleive, but since its a heating element I dont think that will matter... Are there any shops over there that will work on a Duramax? Hopefully your injectors are all in good shape! :) I bet you have a pretty rare truck over there...do you know of any others in Germany?

--Ben

Hi Ben, thanks for your interest. yes, we have 50hz. I have a nice transformer which works very well. Here in Germany the temperature depends where you live. In wintertimes he get between -10 and 10° Celsius. Some day it gets colder, of course in the south of Germany (Bavaria and the Alps) sometimes it gets about -20°.
Yes, Ben, to import a Duramax + camper from Canada it was a real adventure (9 months ago). Ynd you can believe: you feel to stay at a small island with your Duramax. There are only very few people who own a Duramax. I only know one guy who changed the injectors himself. Now, I bet that no problems with injectors will arise. My Duramax has 100000 miles, at 35000 miles they were changed.
I am very glad to get best information her in this forum. May be that one day I will need your help........... I already got contact with the famous Eric (dmaxallitech), I think he can heko me.
So lets go on with our discussion about th Duramax :lol:

wow thats all interesting information to know!! Good luck with the truck!

Ok, thanks, here we go: some pictures of a very rare species of camper truck in Europe:
http://www.agel.net/WoMo/womo.html

PS.: and the Sunfire I imported for my wife :)

Good info on block heater, thanx. Kinda like running a toaster all night.

DuramaxPowered, I would estimate at 10 degrees F. if you had a timer rated for at least 15 amps I would set it for at least 4 hrs before starting the truck. I left mind on all night and in the morning the engine felt warm to the touch, I don't know what the antifreeze temp was. But I do know it was mighty cold out, I just moved up to Delaware from Florida I didnt need the engine block heater there. Also I would recommend us'ing a 12 gauge stranded extension cord if the run from the outlet to the truck is around 50 feet. I had a 14 gauge stranded extension cord and it melted the ice and snow where it laid on the ground.

Remember Ohm's Law? Use the information above here: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Bill_Bowden/ohmslaw.htm

Good thing I bought the 20 amp Super Auto Eject...at wholesale! I will have it in the rear bumper this week with pictures for those interested!

what voltage does your house have? 120 118 115 that x the amps will give you the wattage. Also extension cords can come into play if there is voltage drop too small of wire on cord.