Block heater questions

[bushpilot]

i got my marinco outlet at a boat U.S. store (19 bucks or so as i recall)

google the part number and/or name and the word "price" you
should find plenty.

the part numbers for the outlet & timer are in the post.

 

[Buffs F-350]

Should be 12.5 - 17 ohms at the element.

 

[bbdano]

How can I tell if my block heater is working properly? I keep it connected for up to 10 hours at a time. Sometimes when I go to disconnect the truck, the plug at the extention cord connection is warm, is that normal?

 

[Moe-B]

Yes it's normal, to a point. Obviously if it's really warm the extension may be too thin or too long. You can tell if it's working because your truck will start easier. If you want a more empirical proof you can test it with an ammeter, ohmmeter, etc. (see above posts).

 

[F350DRW1]

I think the Dodge Boys may have been embellishing a little. The block heater really only warms up the engine enough to keep the oil a little loose and makes it much easier to start. Sort of like your starting on a 35-40 degree day when it might only be 15 or so outside. Fire one up after its sat for a day at 5-10 degrees and you will certainly know if it was plugged in or not.

 

[bushpilot]

How can I tell if my block heater is working properly? I keep it connected for up to 10 hours at a time.

where do you live ? chances are youre spending more on electricity
that is necessary.

unless youre seeing temps in the single digits <or lower> for days
or months at a time you really only need to plug the block heater
in for a maximum of 4hrs (before you intend to drive the truck).

put it on a timer ! and make it a good one (see my past posts)...
the block heater draws 1100 watts (make sure any timer you buy
can handle the load)

 

[bbdano]

I live in NW Ohio. We just saw some single digits the other night. I also travel to the Cadillac MI area to snomobile.
I have access to plug my truck in at work, some nights. When it got down to 7 degrees F, I had it plugged in, and it took a few seconds to fire up. As far as the timer goes, you say to see some of your past posts. Um, I new at this stuff, so how do I find your past post???

 

[bushpilot]

I live in NW Ohio. We just saw some single digits the other night. I also travel to the Cadillac MI area to snomobile.
I have access to plug my truck in at work, some nights. When it got down to 7 degrees F, I had it plugged in, and it took a few seconds to fire up. As far as the timer goes, you say to see some of your past posts. Um, I new at this stuff, so how do I find your past post???

scroll back to page one of this post...and scroll down...youll see
photos and links to the outlets & timers (and you might get some
additional ideas about outlet connections & locations).

and HEY...if someone else were payin for the 'lectric id have it connected
all the time