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How long do I use my block heater

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Richter, Nov 30, 2013.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Nov 30, 2013 #1
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Philadelphia Pa
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    So I got a new dedicated account where i have power (2 circuits) at the parking spot. I want to avoid idling to save fuel so i bought an electric heater that does wonderfully heating my cab. I also want to keep my engine tosty.

    So, If taking a 10 hour break, do I get up 2 hours before driving, or do i leave the block heater plugged in all night? What about on a 34 reset. Can over use of the block heater damage it? (or damage engine?)

    Thanks
     
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    #1
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  3. Nov 30, 2013 #2
    bull hauler

    bull hauler Medium Load Member

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    If its cold i leave mine plugged in till i roll again, might b 12 hrs might b 3 days, dont hurt anything to leave plugged in
     
    bull hauler, Nov 30, 2013
    bull hauler, Nov 30, 2013
    #2
    Dino soar and Semi Crazy Thank this.
  4. Nov 30, 2013 #3
    dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    As long as you have a power cord use it.
     
    dude6710, Nov 30, 2013
    dude6710, Nov 30, 2013
    #3
    alds Thanks this.
  5. Nov 30, 2013 #4
    magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    st malo mb canada
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    another option is buy a timer and set it a few hours before u want to leave ps they run under 20 bucks
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2013
    magoo68, Nov 30, 2013
    magoo68, Nov 30, 2013
    #4
    Dino soar, mugurpe, mitmaks and 2 others Thank this.
  7. Nov 30, 2013 #5
    bowtieboy77

    bowtieboy77 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2013
    Southern, Ontario
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    The block heater will only heat the coolant up to a certain temp then it will just maintain that temp. It wont hurt to leave it plugged in at all.
     
    bowtieboy77, Nov 30, 2013
    bowtieboy77, Nov 30, 2013
    #5
  8. Nov 30, 2013 #6
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Philadelphia Pa
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    thanks for the info...ive been sitting in 25 degrees for about 4 hours. Oil temp isnt over 100 (not registering on gadge) but water is 125. I guess its doing its job then. Will the block heater allow me to start it when the outside temp is bellow 0 or will i need to idle then?
     
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    #6
  9. Nov 30, 2013 #7
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Feb 13, 2012
    Philadelphia Pa
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    In my almost 3 years of driving, i have never used a block heater since i never had electric where i parked.
     
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    Richter, Nov 30, 2013
    #7
    luvtotruck Thanks this.
  10. Nov 30, 2013 #8
    dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    I plug my truck in when the temps get below 30. It's excessive but I'd rather start a truck that's not cold every morning.
     
    dude6710, Nov 30, 2013
    dude6710, Nov 30, 2013
    #8
    luvtotruck Thanks this.
  11. Nov 30, 2013 #9
    bull hauler

    bull hauler Medium Load Member

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    Long as ur toasty in the cab its plugged in and diesel has anti gel u wont have any issues
     
    bull hauler, Nov 30, 2013
    bull hauler, Nov 30, 2013
    #9
    Cetane+ and luvtotruck Thank this.
  12. Nov 30, 2013 #10
    truckman29801

    truckman29801 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2013
    SC
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    I gotta replace my block heater soon. I love it at home, just plug in and fire up the next morning. Anything under 40 i plug in when im down for more than a working day, nothing excessive about that
     
    truckman29801, Nov 30, 2013
    truckman29801, Nov 30, 2013
    #10
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