Hello all....

This is more of a question for us who live in the colder winter climates.

I live just north of Toronto and was wondering if I should be plugging in my engine once the tempature drops below freezing. We can get some -20C / -30C nights.

This will be my first winter with a Diesel.


Cheers
Rob.

 

You'll get lots of opinions on when to plug in. I personally don't plug in until it drops to -10C or so. The grid heaters draw huge amounts of power, so the batteries can be drawn down if not given enough time to recharge. Your block heater is rated at 750 watts or .75 kilowatt/hour. Multiply that times what you pay for a kilowatt hour of electricity and you'll get the cost per hour to plug in. I have mine on a timer and run it 3-4 hours before starting up in the morning.

 

I do. I have it on a timmer at home in the garage. 2-4 hours depnding on temp and then I just leave it pluged in all day at work. (free electricity)

 

This might have been asked already but where can I find a good price on the cord? Anyone?

 

Pretty sure Geno's has the best price.

http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalDa...ID=1506&DID=30


phox

 

Thanks, I figured Geno's might be one of the places to get it .

 

Are you guys talking about an extension cord or the actual cord that fits into the heater on the block? I paid $15 with shipping from a fleetguard parts place. The actual part was like $7.95 the shipping was more.

 

Yeah, I need the plug and the cord...can they be purchased seperately?

 

I believe you purchase it as an assembly, with the 120V plug in one end, and the heater connector on the other end. On the subject of extension cords, get yourself a 12 or 14 gauge extension with a silicone jacket or one marked for low temperatures. Avoid vinyl jacketed cords! They have a mind of their own on a 0 degree morning. Timers: The heater is 6 1/4 amp resistive load, so you'll need one rated for about 10 amps. Lowes has several digital models so you can precisely set turn on and turn off times, as well as having the ability to set weekend times. I leave the same time every morning, and have it set to turn off just before I leave. This way, when I grab the wet, and sometimes salty plug to disconnect. the connection is not live. I got a good jolt last year dispite a GFI outlet.

 

Here is the link it is a little over $7 with shipping around $15.... http://www.reliablegoods.com/cgi-bin/sqlstore/index.cgi This is the plug with cord, you just need to buy an extension cord. good luck

Oh by the way the part number is Fleetguard (in drop down box) and it is # 251919

 

Thanks fellows !

 

WRT extension cords: Don't know if you have Menards, but they have a nice blue silicone jacket cord, 12AWG, lighted end so you know it's live. It was ~10-15$. Much cheaper than other places. They also had more lengths in 12AWG than I'm used to seeing.

 

I'm plugging mine in already, 3 hrs on a timer as I leave for work before 6am and it's consistently been around -8 to -10 C where I am. Helps with the warm-up.

hey Rob - you must be WAY north of Toronto to get those temp's already !

 

HE HE

Not yet...

We won't see those temps till January or so.....just planning ahead.

It was -1c this morning but I'm still not plugging it in.


How much of a difference does it really make when you plug it in? Is the heat immediate? Just curious as I have never used a block heater on any of my vehicles.

Cheers
Rob.

 

4 hours gives me no discernable heat from the vents, but it sure does crank easier.