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ECVB · 03-11-2022, 05:36 PM

Heading out in the morning , it will be 30 to 32 degree should I turn the block heater on tonight or is 30 to 32 no need to worry ?

Jburklo · 03-11-2022, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECVB

Heading out in the morning , it will be 30 to 32 degree should I turn the block heater on tonight or is 30 to 32 no need to worry ?

I’d turn it on. What does it hurt? Just be sure to unplug.

Gary.Jones · 03-11-2022, 06:03 PM

However, IMO, you don't need to worry about those sorts of temps. I personally would not worry until the temperature is substantially below that level. This Cummins cranks very easily at those temps.

Gary

RayandWendy · 03-11-2022, 06:30 PM

I've cranked mine off at 29° with no problem. Might take an extra spin or two to get going but no problem.
Later...
Ray

777 Driver · 03-11-2022, 06:36 PM

That was the subject of some discussion at my Spartan Academy in June '18. IIRC, the definitive answer was vague. Big Mike didn't seem interested in designating a specific temperature.

My take away from the discussion was that I'd use some sort of engine heat overnight if it was going to be at or below freezing. My '18 Anthem has the capability to use the AquaHot to provide engine heat and that's my usual choice because it's easy to do. If you don't have that available, I'd plug in the block heater.

Like Gary, I really doubt that you'd have any difficulty starting at those temps regardless of block heat use. However, and that's the key in my decision to use heat, any warmth put into the block before starting is likely to improve lubrication during the first few seconds of engine run. Why not take advantage of that benefit?

Of course, that's all my opinion which I value as highly as others value theirs.

Take care,
Stu

Butte64 · 03-12-2022, 07:57 AM

As with many engines, the worst wear is on startup. Colder oil does not move and lubricate as quickly as warm oil. The harder and longer the cranking, the greater stress on battery. So yes, it will start at 30 if your battery is in good shape, but why not reduce the stress and warm it up? Especially easy if you have the 450D and just need to turn on engine heat loop.
Go ahead and try a test. At 40 deg or less, check how many cranks to start without pre-heat then with pre-heat. I have found much smoother start with engine temp 90+.

Gary.Jones · 03-12-2022, 08:12 AM

My Cummins starts almost immediately, within a rotation. And engine heat does NOT avoid engine wear.... anytime you start the engine you probably have am infinitesimally more wear and OK, maybe an infinitesimally larger amount of wear in very cold conditions. I'm just saying, its not needed in the 30s. The engine will crank just fine even with older batteries.

At zero or in the teens, I'll turn on the heat, but my whole intention is to never find myself in those temps.... If you do, then have at it. The issue is if its necessary. I've never read any data on this issue. Is there any?

Gary

RVFunlovers · 03-12-2022, 08:20 AM

I have started my 600 and 605 with no issues in the 20’s. Surprisingly I can not tell a difference in how long the start takes from 25 degrees compared to 70.

I rarely have started when it is colder than that. But when I have needed to I use the Aqua Hot block heater. I have never used the plug in heater in the engine compartment.

It was 21 when I woke up in Nashville today though so you never know.