Ok this probably gets asked every year when the weather gets cold, but I looked and didnt find a past thread on it...

The last deisel I had was a 86 FORD( Fantasticly Over-rated Rotten Disaster) and when I used the block heater on it, it started leaking from the heater plug, a problem that three replacements never cured.

Should I use the block heater on my Dodge? Is there a history of them having any problems?

 

If the temperature gets below 0 degrees celsius, or 35 farenheit, where you are, then it might be a good idea to get one. In canada where I am, they are a necessity.

I have one in my truck, and plug it in anytime it gets around 0(35). I haven't had, or heard of any troubles related to block heaters in dodge trucks. Hope this helps!

 

Thanks, we dotn get quite as cold here as you do in Canada( I HOPE!)
Its mainly that I am worried the darn thig will start leaking coolant out like the one on my Ford did..

 

I don't recall anyone reporting that problem. I believe the heater has remained unchanged for many years. They do burn out occasionally, but very occasionally.

 

210,000 and mine doesn't leak up here, knock on wood. I don't think it's brand problem, just had an old rubber seal. I like to plug in when it gets to freezing temps. The grid heater comes on at below 48 deg. I have a single battery and plugging in helps keep the grid heater/wait to start light off and not draining the battery. Also gets the fluids circulating quicker. A lot of guys plug in to a timer. Set it for 2-4 hours before you plan on getting going in the morning. Then shut itself off after a given time if you don't use the truck. I changed the tranny out doors last year in the snow. Plugging in keeps the block toasty. The tools laying on the engine stay thawed out.

 

ok Thanks guys, I saw it was a diff design , but that ws SUCH a problem....

 

today was the coldest i have seen?felt it outside at a brisk 38F lol, didnt plug it in. turned the key waited for the light. and fired right up first turn of key. i think ill be holding out on the extension cord for a while.

jiMMy

 

I don't think it will cause any problems if you plug it in tonight. That way you would be able to tell if it does leak now, and while it is some what warm outside you can fix that leak.

But in the 5 years I have owned my truck, I have never had a problem with my block heater leaking or anything. Only needed to replace the end plug once and that has been it. It has gotten down to -25 f. and truck still would start right up and be toasty. So heater was doing it's thing and no problems.

 

Our trucks will still start at cold temperatures, as long as the fuel is treated. The main reason I plug mine in is to reduce wear/stress on the engine. The sooner it warms up, the sooner the lubrication is at peak etc. It also lets you take off and go where you want alot sooner.

The only drawback is that the electricity company really enjoys when people plug their vehicles in $$$$$ . If you're going to plug in, do as redleg suggests and get a timer. They're cheap enough, and certainly better than paying the utility company a ton of dough.

 

I have to assume a block heater goes in place of a freeze plug if a coolant leak could be a problem?

 

The early Ferd block heaters were known leakers.

 

Well it snowed 3-4 inches last night and highs in the upper 30's today, so I will be using it today!!

 

Me too.......