block heater use

[Dave1956]

All:

I will be making my first trip with the mh into some colder climates since buying it. I will be in Oklahoma and Hot Springs where I might see some temps below 30. At what point do I need to consider using the block heater?

Thanks in advance for the advise.

Dave

["007"]

A block heater will warm your oil for a easier start in cold freezing weather engine will turn over with no sweat.
Worked in Alaska at 65* below.

[trower]

Actually the block heater heats the coolant in your engine for easy starts in cold weather. If you are using a 15w-40w oil then you should be good to 30 degrees. If the temp goes lower then consider using the block heater for 2 to 3 hours before starting. hope this helps.
Don

["007"]

More on Block Heaters and what they can do.

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1956 All: I will be making my first trip with the mh into some colder climates since buying it. I will be in Oklahoma and Hot Springs where I might see some temps below 30. At what point do I need to consider using the block heater? Thanks in advance for the advise. Dave

Dave, my rule is very simple. If the temp is going to be below plus 50F I turn on the switch before going to bed.

May not be that necessary, but I have found it sure turns over and fires up easy the next morning.

Bob

[allynne]

I use my block heater normally when ever I am starting on the road.

Particularly if I will be on the road in a mile or so, that way the engine will be up to operating temp much sooner and I can go a highway speed when on the interstate.

Always use it with temps below 50F.

It's there why not use it?

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

[Dave1956]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I guess I will get the book out and make sure I understand how to operate it. Here in Houston we do not have much need for one!

[allynne]

Dave1954,

The past several weeks in Houston the block heater would have been very helpful. There have been several mornings in the 20's.

I used it when I left Magnolia on the 2nd.

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

[bdpreece]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BZam Dave, my rule is very simple. If the temp is going to be below plus 50F I turn on the switch before going to bed. May not be that necessary, but I have found it sure turns over and fires up easy the next morning. Bob

This works for me also. Don't cost anything if I am at a campground and it sure makes starting easier in the morning.

[Monacoach]

I dont think our coach has a block heater

[bdpreece]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monacoach I dont think our coach has a block heater

Can't say for sure about yours but my 08 Endeavor with the Cummins 400 does. There is no switch though only a power plug in the power cord compartment that I have to plug in. You might want to look for a loose plug.

[Monacoach]

Quote:

Can't say for sure about yours but my 08 Endeavor with the Cummins 400 does. There is no switch though only a power plug in the power cord compartment that I have to plug in. You might want to look for a loose plug.

I did a half hearted search for a plug and found none. Wont be starting engine until late January so I have time to do a good search. Cant imagine any coach not having this feature however I didn't think they would install an inverter with no remote but they did.

[Rnicfingrp]

2/4/2011. I'm in Dallas, Texas and it's been in the mid teens during the day and close to zero at night (not including the chill factor) since last Tuesday. I turned the Block Heater on Tuesday morning and left it on since then. Have I harmed anything by leavng the Block Heater 'on' for so long?
Also, I was hooked up to the campground water supply and the faucet froze along with my water hose to the rv. I had turned on the Heater Pad switch to keep my tanks warm and left the water heater switch 'on'. Any advice on what I need to do once things warm up above freezing?

[DannyB1954]

No harm done leaving it on, but with antifreeze your engine doesn't really need it to keep from freezing. Block heaters are only used to help the engine start. So heating the engine for more than a few hours before you start it is a bit of electricity used when not needed.

Has anyone tried using a radiant heater pointed at the engine block? My application is a bit odd. I have a Detroit Diesel 6V53 shoehorned into an old class A. I was thinking that if I mounted a 1500 watt quartz heater pointed at the block, it would warm the engine and everything else in the area in a hour or so. I would have a thermostat in the compartment to keep the temps under control, (not hot enough to melt things). Any feedback?