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Topic: When to use block heater (Read 990 times) previous topic - next topic

When to use block heater

What do those in colder climates recommend for issues listed below on block heaters.  I have a 1 ton truck with Cummins but never really seem to need the block heater in this GA climate.
1. How much in advance of starting engine should the heater be turned on?
2. What temp should the heater be turned on?

Thanks,
Jerry M
1999U270WTFE34
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Green99 –
What do those in colder climates recommend for issues listed below on block heaters.  I have a 1 ton truck with Cummins but never really seem to need the block heater in this GA climate.
1. How much in advance of starting engine should the heater be turned on?
2. What temp should the heater be turned on?

Thanks,
Jerry M
1999U270WTFE34
                        Jerry, I would recommend running the block heater overnight if temps were down in the teens to mid-twenties. That's what we do with our off-road construction equipment up here in the land of ice and snow. You may be able to get away with a few hours if warmer. That's a lot of metal mass to warm up. I have noticed that in the cold the Cummins ISL takes much longer for the turbo to spool up in cold weather.

                Dean

           
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #2 –
I always switch mine on and have even forgotten it was on. Doesn't hurt a thing.

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #3 –
The use and experience regarding the block heater on our Cummins C-8.3 engine is consistent with Dean's comments. If we expect temperatures to be below freezing at start time in the morning, we turn the block heater on at bed time the evening before. The "Wait to Start" period is brief and the engine starts right up.

During a specific recent experience, it was difficult to start our engine at about 28F when I didn't use the block heater. It did start, but took a lot of hard work from the starter and batteries.

I would be interested to hear the experience and recommendations from folk who use the Aqua-Hot to warm the engine prior to starting.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #4 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
The use and experience regarding the block heater on our Cummins C-8.3 engine is consistent with Dean's comments. If we expect temperatures to be below freezing at start time in the morning, we turn the block heater on at bed time the evening before. The "Wait to Start" period is brief and the engine starts right up.

During a specific recent experience, it was difficult to start our engine at about 28F when I didn't use the block heater. It did start, but took a lot of hard work from the starter and batteries.

I would be interested to hear the experience and recommendations from folk who use the Aqua-Hot to warm the engine prior to starting.
If I am leaving in the morning and the temps are going to be low I turn the block heater and the diesel aquahot on all night to warm the engine to make it an easy start.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #5 –
Jerry M.

I use the same procedure that Barry does. I disagree, however, that leaving it on all the time does no harm! All electric drains, particularly those with high amp draw like the block heater should be "OFF" when switching sources of 120v AC current to protect the transfer switches.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #6 –
Yes, it is real good to unload the electric load when transferring the AC load it does raise heck with the contacts on these Econ contractors.
These contractors are not the same as the $1,500 Good switches.
Our ATS units do a fine job for the price, just give em a break.
For example turn off the A/C when plugging into the power pole or starting the generator, then wait until the ATS connects, then turns it all on..

Me, I run the A-H for an hour or so, Brings the engine temp up nice.  Anything above 60, it will start nicely, have started at 30 with no problem, I just like 60.
Dave M

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #7 –
I use the block heater, aqua-hot and boost every time I start in the morning.

And turn off block heater and aqua-hot before cranking.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #8 –
I turn mine on if it gets in the 40S over night, doesn't hurt anything and no big strain on batteries and cables when starting.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #9 –
I changed out my starter and added an extra set of cables directly to the starter.  It will start below zero with no problem now without block heater or aquahot.  I do use the aquahot for an hour prior to starting if it is really cold out.  That is 20 or below.  I also had my ECM upgraded. There were 14 upgrades due to hard start issues and cold start issues.  Made a huge difference.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #10 –
It's great to run the block heater overnight if you're not paying for the electricity.  I used mine before taking my coach out for a drive before heading for Europe for a two week river cruise.  You guessed it.  I forgot to turn off the block heater.  You should have seen the house electric bill!  It took a while before I found the block heater light on in the bath cabinet.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: When to use block heater

Reply #11 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
It's great to run the block heater overnight if you're not paying for the electricity.  I used mine before taking my coach out for a drive before heading for Europe for a two week river cruise.  You guessed it.  I forgot to turn off the block heater.  You should have seen the house electric bill!  It took a while before I found the block heater light on in the bath cabinet.
OOPs, I have done that with the water heater
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country