CrashCade

I just installed my block heater cord. I am pretty sure I did it 100% correct. What is a temp I can expect my coolant to reach after being plugged in overnight? Is about 100* right or should it be hotter? I just want to make sure it is functioning right!

Thank You,

Jason

bluechrome

100-110 is about right.

Pooter

Depends on the outside temps/wind sometimes
I usually see about 100-110* when its less than 30* outside, and its been plugged in for several hours...

Ghost Ram

will it hurt anything to leave it plugged in for a few days at a time?

matego

If you do leave it in, make sure it is plugged into a GFCI outlet. I just fixed a truck 2 weeks ago that caught on fire from the plug having a poor connection.

A lot of local fire companies leave their trucks plugged in all the time when not on a call.

Ghost Ram

i just installed a gfci weatherproof outlet in front of my house today for that exact purpose, and i got a heavy duty 50' ext. cord to go along w/ it

Pooter

Shouldnt hurt anything, but id hate to waste the energy...
Id get a timer and just run it a few hours out of the day to maintain the temp(if thats what youre after), or have it set to come on 2-3 hours before you are going to start it up to leave...

CrashCade

Thanks uys, I have to replace my GFCI in my garage tomorrow, Mine went bad over christmas! Now I ahve a reason to fic it. I actually am seeing 123* after 2.5 hours. That will make it so nice in the morning, no more 30 minute warm up times!

rustyshakelford

most of the time its for a kussmaul...to keep the batteries and air tanks full. some might have the block heater tied into it to, but im not sure

brett

matego

Up here, they do leave a air line hooked up and a cord plugged in to keep the batts charged and engines warm. I asked the chief here in town why they use the block heater since they are parked in a heated garage. They like heat right away when there is a fire call. Plus it is a lot less strain on the engine when it is a little warm when you smash on it.

We run the trucks like it has a on/off switch for the throttle