The block heater on my truck looks fairly new, and I have used it twice so far, and man does it make cranking my Freightliner so much easier. The two part question I have is:

a. What all does the heater keep warm?

b. Does it draw much juice from the electric outlet? (The reason for this question is, if it draws much juice then I would get a timer to cut on a couple of hours prior to me cranking it in the morning)

Thanks in advance for your advice and wisdom.

 

The block heater keeps your engine oil warm to aid a cold start. I don't believe you would ever see a difference in your power bill unless you are home all the time.

 

It keeps the water (anti-freeeze) warm, and YES it will make a difference in your electric biil if you leave it plugged in a long time.

I find that 4 hours is all it takes to make it start nicely

 

Most of what people call a block heater is really a plug on the oil pan to keep the oil warm, water doesn't make a difference on a cold start up unless your froze up but oil does. If your antifreeze is set to the temp of the places you will be running, then your water is fine. By keeping your oil warm it is not as thick as if it were cold, since a diesel motor uses compression to ignite the fuel, if the oil was thick it is harder to crank therefore making it hard for your batteries to keep up and you will kill the batteries before it starts. Its like a multi weight oil for your car!! I know of no reason to keep the water in the block warm.As far as leaving it plugged in, if you are in really cold weather just leave it plugged in!! Its a small price to pay to assure you starting your truck!!

 

Better re-check your facts, Cummins,Cat ,Detroit ALL use block heaters in the water jackets, in my 30 years only saw one truck with an oil pan heater, here in the states anyway.

As far as how cold your anti-freeze is rated, doesn't have anything to do with starting the engine, and that would be for diesel or gas engines.

 

The block heater on my engine is located on the left side of the engine up towards the top of the engine. I have a 350 big cam Cummings.

The last time I used it, I know that my water temp was really warm when I first cranked it up. It really made a difference on an older engine cranking up.

I just wasn't sure it it heated more than the water or not, and how much wattage it would pull.

 

Best thing is look at the elctric meter first, how fast its spinning, then plug it in and look at the meter again, these things WILL pull some juice, BUT like I said 4 hours plugged in usually works pretty well, unless its below zero.

 

I did recheck and you are right, I had a old cat that was the way I told you. As I am no mechanic thought all were the same. In a logical sense Thought all were the same. Thanks for the correction. I guess you do learn something new every day...lol

 

You can also get a plug-in for your radiator. The heater element goes into your radiator hose.

 

Whew, the meter really does go fast when the heater is plugged in. Thanks for the advice. I will get me a timer to come on 2 to 3 hours prior to cranking it up.