has anyone left the block heater on for a faster warmup. And will this hurt something

 

I have for a few minutes and it didn't hurt anything. I've read on here that it's fine to leave it running with the block heater plugged in, but I'm not sure how much faster it will really warm up that way.

 

I've read (don't know if it's true) that when the cold coolant hits the hot element it can crack it. So I don't do it.

 

Why would you want to do that on purpose? The small amount of heat that the BH would add is totally insignificant compared to the heat that the motor will generate just through normal operation. Remember, to be effective, the BH generally needs to be plugged in for a few hours. I would err on the side of caution and say that you really don't want to do that, and even if you do you won't notice a benefit (but might need a new element)....

 

I think I read somewhere (maybe Cummins page?) that they don't recommend prolonged winter idling, but if you have to they suggested either plugging the heater on or leaving a jake brake on...

 

You can start it up, and while it's warming up, go unplug it. Leaving it plugged in while the truck is running will do absolutely nothing to help warm up your truck faster.

 

I have a remote start and let her idle for 10 mins plugged in every day she is plugged in. No problems in 8 years & 206K miles. The healer is only about 700 watts, it's not gonna hurt anything to idle it and leave it plugged in. The coolant is warm and the element is submerged. No danger of shock cooling.

 

Like they said you can leave it plugged in, won't hurt it, water won't be cold enough to crack it as all the cold water is on other side of thermostat

Rule of thumb we use up here for block heater, is 1 hour for every 10 degrees below freezing.

 

I don't think it will warm up any quicker. but it might help you forget it's plugged in and you might drive away plugged in still

I have tried to train myself to unplug the BH before I start the truck up so I don't forget and drive off plugged in.

 

It is too hard for me to get in and out of the truck just to unplug the block heater after starting it up. I will always unplug it before I get in the truck.

 

We're pretty wimpy down here; my rule of thumb is put the block heater on the 4-hour timer whenever the ambient dips below 50*F

 

I leave the block heater plugged in all the time.It certainly helps the engine warm up.AT idle with no load the engine isnt burning enough fuel to get the engine very hot,the 700 watt heater makes the difference between running 15 minutes,and having little heat,and 15 minutes,and having a warm cab and engine,both of which are much better for me and the engine.

 

thanx guys for the info. MLMILLER GRAND JUNCTION CO CUMMINS COUNTRY

 

Just noticed you're in Grand Junction, CO. My wife and I are thinking about moving there. Have an aunt and uncle living there too.

 

Moved Here In 1994 Love The Outdoors. Hunting Fishing . We Have Just About Everything Here Including Lake Powell AND THE BIGGEST HARLEY SHOP IN CO