Block Heater--Do you leave it plugged in?

[mbisson]

I live in So Cal, so I have never used the block heater. In fact I couldn't even find the cord until I pulled off the panel just above the plug in the electric compartment. I guess the prior owner never used it. We've had a few nights down into the 30's and I was wondering if I should leave it plugged in. There is a switch for the block heater in the cabinet in front of the passenger seat. I know the plug is not hot unless the switch is on.

This is on a 2004 KSDP 3706 330 cat.

Thanks, mike

[danf7]

I live in the Northeast and if your temps are in the mid 30's you shouldn't need the block heater. I have a Cummins and I have started my engine at 25-30 degrees with no issues. Below 25 and I would use my heater. JMHO

Dan

[allynne]

Mike,

I use my block heater for all starts regardless of Temp. It will get the engine up to operating temp much faster. Don't want to run a diesel at high RPM until temp is in the 160-170 range.

Just my operating procedure.

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
Living in South Florida I rarely use the block heater. I have been in places where the temp got into the 40s and high 30's. I have forgotten to turn the block heater on. When starting the engine, it didn't like it at all. Smoke out the exhaust, cylinders missing, rough running, etc. When the engine warmed up everything was back to normal.

The bottom line is there is no harm when using the heater. Now I use it anytime the low temp is forcasted below 60 degrees F.

[Route 66]

I've never used my block heater and never had a problem starting even around freezing temps.

I just use the air intake heater (wait to start) and the engine starts with no problem.

It seems different engines have different needs.

[imgoin4it]

The engine will start when the temp is down in the 20's and 30's. However if you use the engine heater The "wait to start" light on a diesel will go off much sooner. Most important of all is that starting the engine wears internal engne parts far more than running down the highway with a warm and circulating oil. Cold starting is about the worst thing you can do to your diesel engine. If it gets down to 40 degrees treat your engine properly and use the heater before you start it.

[gary caskey]

I agree, you can't beat a warm engine. Cold is a diesel engine's enemy, I use my block heater anytime it's below 60.

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbisson I live in So Cal, so I have never used the block heater. This is on a 2004 KSDP 3706 330 cat. Thanks, mike

Mike I live in So Cal also and when I am out places where the temp goes below 50 I turn it before going to bed.

Sure makes the engine start easy.

Also, when you turn on the key and wait for dash lights, be sure you wait until the wait to start light goes out. If its real cold I turn the key back off and do another 30 seconds a couple of times to get the air heater good and hot. Otherwise you will probably put out a big cloud of white smoke all over the campground.

Bob

[mbisson]

Thanks everyone. I've never used it before, but I think I will start using it when the temp drops. Last time I started it, it cranked quite a bit before starting.

Thanks, mike