Community Forums

Jim & Mikki · 12-23-2008, 10:22 AM

We have a 2004 Alpine FDTS. We have always been in warm weather until now. Does anyone know if there is a block heater and if so where is the plug and/or switch used to activate the heater? Thanks

Jim & Mikki · 12-23-2008, 10:22 AM

We have a 2004 Alpine FDTS. We have always been in warm weather until now. Does anyone know if there is a block heater and if so where is the plug and/or switch used to activate the heater? Thanks

Ottawa · 12-23-2008, 12:05 PM

Normally Block Heaters run off 115V. Up here there would be a 115V plug somewhere in the engine compartment that would plug into an extension cord. Unless it was added as an option or an After Market addition I would doubt that there is one on your MH. There were not normally built to operate in temps that would require one.

Old Scout · 12-23-2008, 01:02 PM

Diesel engines in general and Cummins in particular have a two-pronged strategy for cold weather starting. First, you have two large batteries to provide good cranking power; and second, your engine is equipped with electric grid heaters[again the need for good batteries.] Not sure if the grid heaters are triggered by time or air temp but if you turn your key to the "on" position and wait 5-7 seconds before starting, the grids will heat the incoming air sufficiently so your engine should start.

For about $10k more, you can add an Aqua-hot that will warm your engine after it has warmed you.

bigfish · 12-23-2008, 04:10 PM

If your coach is like mine, WRV did not install a block heater as standard equipment. If so, you will have to add a aftermarket heater.
BTF
05 40FDQS

EngineerMike · 12-23-2008, 04:53 PM

The best engine heaters work on negative latitude. By decreasing latitude the engine warms up and starts easier.

Barbaraok · 12-23-2008, 05:05 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by EngineerMike:
The best engine heaters work on negative latitude. By decreasing latitude the engine warms up and starts easier. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We keep trying but boy it is getting harder and harder to do that. Luckily we won't leave the Dallas area until after the 1st and the forecast says we should be back above freezing by then!

Barb

Old Scout · 12-24-2008, 06:32 AM

On second thought--E/M has it right. If you are contemplating the need for a block heater--you are way too far north. Think I'd start looking for "S" on my compass and head there.

VAGABONDMAN · 12-24-2008, 11:47 AM

My '98 came with a block heater and my '03 did not. I went to Cummins, Yakima, and they had a 50 gallon drum full of block heaters they took off of the units sold to WRV (at WRV's request). That's the bottom line - they are easy to add if you want one; however, you might want to listen to E-Mike!

Ted III · 12-27-2008, 02:59 AM

Jim & Mikki, We have a 2005 coach which we bought new. I had a heater added by Cummins for about $ 90.00. Have never needed to use it. We just returned from a trip and a couple of mornings were in the low 20's. That Cummins never even hesitated. It must need to get pretty cold to bother it.

andye · 12-27-2008, 12:55 PM

I have run cummins engins in MN. for over 40yrs winter and summer and found thay don't like to start below 0 with out help. Thay don't recomend starting fluid but it works, Pluging in is good, but I like E-Mikes way is the best. Andy