Engine block heater

[b1rider]

How long does it take for the engine block to warm up being plugged in before starting? I know this depends on the ambient temp but say it’s around 38 degrees. 450 HP.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by b1rider

How long does it take for the engine block to warm up being plugged in before starting? I know this depends on the ambient temp but say it’s around 38 degrees. 450 HP.

Shouldn't need the 120v block heater above freezing temps.and if below freezing, shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.

[wolfe10]

While I agree it is not required at 38 degrees F, it wouldn't hurt to turn it on for 2 hours. That does make it a little easier on the engine/a little harder on your electric bill.

[Mr. T]

If it's cold, I just turn mine on the night before leaving.

[alank]

I think my engine starts easier/quicker after the block heater has been on. Freightliner told me if above 40*, just start it up. If colder, 20* or so, I usually turn it on when I get up. We never get out of the campsite is less than 2 hours, so usually 2+ hours for me.

[Dutch Star Don]

Your cabinet over the driver's seat has the switch for the outlet in the engine compartment. I typically leave my engine block heater unplugged so there is no accidental activation.

On cold weather trips like next week when we head to Quartzsite and then the Grand Canyon, I'll plug the block heater in. On a cold night before departure, I'll turn it on when I go to bed. It typically gets the engine coolant up to about 70 degrees.

Side note.....I added a garage type power cord reel to the DEF bay and ran the plug to the block heater outlet. It gives me a 30' power cord I can use in the patio while camping and turn it off and on from inside the coach.

[tom chelbana]

On both our LA and our previous Essex the electric element stopped working so you would want to make sure plugged in the rear and that it is working. Should see a big jump in AC usage when turned on.
On our LA have a 1800 watt oil pan heater plus set up Oasis to pre-heat the engine. Not easy to change electric rod on Cummins heater so changed to oil pan heater and Oasis pre- heater for coolant.
Newmar Man

[b1rider]

Thanks everyone, very helpful.

[Rev. Roy]

I had a tech tell me that the block heater has a thermostat built in it that shuts it off at 40° F in order to keep it from burning out if accidentally left on. I don't turn mine on until it is below freezing and if it's 20- 32° outside, I will turn it on 1-2 hours before getting ready to leave. I do add anti gelling stuff to my tank in the winter, especially when "winter camping" but I'm more concerned about gelling going to the Oasis and generator. They're not heated.

[VDPDan]

I specifically asked Cummins this question. Their reply (email):

"It [block heater] is best to use when the ambient temp is 45 deg or below. There is not a time line on how long it should be on because it would change going off the ambient temp but Normally it would take around 4 hours."

I did not follow up asking what "normally" might be (0F vs 45F)

[Dutch Star Don]

Personally, I don't want my coolant and motor oil to be at 32+ degrees when I start the coach. Why add that wear and tear?

I run the VMSpc engine computer monitor and, on the occasions when I've used the block heater, the coolant temps were at 70 degrees on start up.

[dbircky]

I generally use the block heater (time depending on ambient temperature) before starting. Why not? Not going to cause any harm. On the pickup it also gives instant heat to the defroster if needed.

[tom chelbana]

There are in many locations the drivers at the end of day connect their diesel truck engines to some kind of heating unit as to cut down on wear and assist starting for the next day.
Newmar Man

[b1rider]

Originally Posted by VDPDan

I specifically asked Cummins this question. Their reply (email):







I did not follow up asking what "normally" might be (0F vs 45F)

Thanks