on nights below say 40 dergees does it hurt anything if i do not plug my truck in?

 

No, not really.

There are folks out there that didn't even know they had a block heater.

Personally, I'd plug it in if possible, maybe not 40, but below freezing definately.


phox

 

forty degress??? I run syn and dont plug in until its gets below -15

 

I tried plugging in my 96, and it didn't seem to make any difference at ~20 degrees. It started just like it does every other day, practially bump the starter and it's running (even at 197K). Unfortunately it didn't warm up quicker, which is the biggest effect I expected from plugging it in.
I won't plug in again until it has a problem starting in the morning. I guess this means I can just cut the cord and thow it away.

Chris

 

why waste electric when there is absolutly no need to plug it in ?

 

I plug my truck in when the temps start to get 35* & below,it is plugged in from the time i park it till the time i start it back up and take off.I have noticed a little quicker warmups,quicker hot air,and a bit easier start.We have not yet seen a diff. in the electric bill,we also have are skidsteer plugged in 24/7 all winter long(it has a water/coolant heater).Once the temps get above 40* we stop plugging in the truck and loader.

Jeff

 

I use a heavy duty timer and have it come on 3 hrs. before start time,easier on engine in cold weather and much faster warm up.

 

search the threads, one guy has his heater on his building meter/electric bill.

like $7 a month.
quicker heat up should equal improved efficiency.

with the block heater & cold idle enable, we have heat before we leave the driveway,

wife works with me, and if mama ain't happy....

 

Hehe....how true!

When it hits the freezing mark, I plug in.....do I have to? Of course not......but I like the faster warm ups and enjoy having the heat sooner. But by far, the main reason is that it is much easier on the engine to start when the block and oil are already warm. Since a large portion of engine wear happens during cold starts. FWIW, I do not notice a difference in the hydro bill either way.

 

great.....thanks yall..

 

Me too. Three hours is plenty. Any day it is going to be below 40 in the morning. My commute is only 6 miles. If I don't plug it in, I won't have warm air 'till I'm there. I guess I spoil myself. Starts are easier and the engine makes less clangin' and bangin' when warming up. Makes me feel like I'm doing something good for the engine. Us Okies don't know what cold is, huh, Dr.Evil? WELLLLLLLLL...it fourty below and I don't give .............this song always comes to mind.

 

I plug in at 35* with a timer set for 3 hrs
Faster cab heat, quicker warm up
doesn't tax my batterys as much, grid heaters not on for long.

 

Engines consume more fuel when cold as well, trying to get up to operating temperature.

 

I dont plug in until its below 15 deg F at night , no reason not to it makes for faster warm up in the morning, easier on the motor and has barely any effect on the electricity bill.

 

I plug in, simply because I can!
My brother was trying to argue the point of diesels in pickups are pointless, and having to plug in was one of his big deals. I said, you know it will start at 20 below without being plugged in right, I just choose to do so!


In all actuality, helps warm the coolant faster, and it keeps from spiking 90 PSI oil pressure.