When to use a block heater?

[LDRider]

Thanks all - I did like the kwpilot34 approach to it is installed for a reason, so use it.

Next time I am in cold weather, we will give it a try before we unplug. Get everything nice and ready for the start!

I do appreciate the help, advice and comments. Happy New Year! Off to Hilton Head.

[lwmcguire]

To the poster back there a few, no the heaters are on or off

That is why the red pilot on the switch. If it is below freezing I always use the heater and if colder than 20 or so then it is on overnight for the departure day.

The warmth saves the starter and a bit of wear and tear on the engine.

Many Diesels have the heaters installed but not the power cord when they are sent down the line. The power cord is an option oftentimes. Cold starts are the hardest thing you can do to your diesel so why not use the heater.

On the tractors and outside trucks the thermo cube blocks work great saving electricity and getting the heat when you need it.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Only an 'expert' because of 14 years with Ford diesels (might mean I know zip...) but I haven't worried about a block heater ever. Newer diesels easily start at sub-zero temps, built-in glow plugs usually provide all the startup heat needed. If it lets you sleep better, then by all means use it. But to me, unless in the Arctic for extended winter periods/WY/MT and such, forget about it.

Big difference from an engine with glow plugs to one with a grid heater
Have to disagree with you as saving wear and tear on a diesel just makes sense. Since you have started them in cold weather you surely heard the racket they make until the oil flows and gets thinned down
Hopefully we can agree to disagree

[Bob Denman]

About the noise that they make...
The Missus & I once test-drove. Diesel-powered Jeep Liberty. When first started: it sounded like a platter of dishes getting pitched down the basement steps!
After a few miles: it did finally settle down...

[Thehobe1]

This should be obvious if you want longer life on the engine! They don't put them there for nuttin'.

[Glensouth]

The only time you may need your block heater is when you plan on starting your engine when it’s been setting over night when it’s below freezing.

[TurnerFam]

a block heater is a good tool, especially if you are on Shore Power and sitting for months during the winter(winter in Colorado, not Florida!)...

unless you have Shore Power, you'll need your generator power to make the block heater function, as it takes 120v power... but then, you might also need a block heater for the generator!

[The Gritz Carlton]

WOW...this forum is starting to sound like a couple headed for divorce...cant agree on anything. Who cares how smart anyone is...if you have a block heater and it's cold outside (by your standards) use it!!! If nothing else, it warms the cab heater core up much quicker since the block is already warm. It's not just for starting. My wife's Cadillac takes two blocks to warm up...my 2500HD takes 10 miles minimum to heat up. Live And Let Live!

[mountainsam]

Originally Posted by Yaktop

Block heaters are usually an option and are not standard.

All my diesels (3) since 2004 , including one purchased in Phoenix, have had heaters from the factory without cords. I had to purchase the cords and install. This is not including the 3.2 Power Stroke. I have no idea about that but should find out.

If you use the vehicle for regular transportation the block heater will provide nearly instant heat in the morning and if the vehicle has the defroster turned on it will ofter keep the windshield clear.