Boatnik

I used the block heater last weekend when the mercury fell into the 20,s. It worked great, no complaints. My lack of knowledge compells me to ask these questions. Is their a thermostat built in to the block heater. Has anyone used a thermostat outdoors to prevent the heater from working when it isn't needed. Winters here are so wishywashy I don't usually put away my short sleeves until February.

Alec

NO thermostat. You could theoretically set up your own thermostat in the cord to the heater, I suppose. I have used a timer in the past, but normally just plug her in an hour before I need to start her. 1 hour is normally more than enough -- even 30 minutes can help. IMHO you don't really need the heater until you get down below 5 degrees all night. Down where you are, I would be more worried about the fuel gelling than anything else -- maybe they have gotten better about selling winter blend down there, though.

Boatnik

In my previous life as a diesel owner (had an Isusu P'up with the bowtie badge) I would mix kerosene 1 part and diesel 4 parts to prevent jelling. I have in 32 years here only seen the mercury that low a couple of times. Not much winterized fuel here and I have never seen any number one diesel. The only real reason I plug in the heater is the novelty and the cabin heater works, like, right now! It is really nice when you start to work in a warm truck.

BearKiller

I put a switch by the nightstand in the bedroom that powers an outlet on the porch-post near my truck.

When coming in for the night, I plug in the truck. The switch is off.

When I wake up, I flip the switch.

By the time I go out the door, the engine is warm.

DODGE 92

i went to canadian tire and bought a 10$ timer i program it 2 hours before i go to work best 10 bucks i ever spent

wannadiesel

I'm a timer guy too. I'm out the door 15 minutes after I get up, so the switch idea wouldn't work too well for me.

I love the near instant heat. I wish I could plug in at work.

Boatnik- Wal-Mart has white bottle Power Service for under $12 a gallon. 1 gallon treats 300 gallons of #2. If you can get K1 cheap enough that's a valid way to do it, but you ought to run a lubricity additive with a mix like that.

G1625S

Chalk one more up for the timer method. Got it at Lowes last year for 25 bucks, I think. Rated for 20A and 2kw. Comes on at 5am. Nice and toasty by 8:30.

kcprecision

I have a timer connected to the truck to. It comes on at 0500 and will shut off at 0800 if I have not used the truck.

phox_mulder

Another helpful hint with the timer, have it set to turn off right before you usually need the truck.

This will prevent the occasional hot unplug with wet/salty cords ZAP!


phox

wannadiesel

Aw, c'mon Jerry! That's better than coffee when you're groggy!

pmtg

remember to UNPLUG it before you drive away...put the cord in your path to the driver's door so as to not forget.

G1625S

I hang the cord off the ram hood ornament...after I pulled the driveaway trick...