I have a 95 SLT Dodge Ram that has the "block heater cord" that I plug into an outlet. Question : Are the block heater and manifold heater one of the same? If so will continuious usuage 24/7 in winter months burn out the elements. I read in a thread somewhere that is a possibility. I realize the electric bill will go up some but Iwould like to know what damage could occur to the block heater if any. Thanks -Ray

 

Block heater and manifold heating elements are totally separate systems. Thats all I know.

 

My block heater has been plugged in 24/7 in the winter months for ten years now, still going strong. Of course like anything else it's bound to wear out at some point.
If anything using the block heater will make your grid heater system last longer and be there for you when you can't plug in. No matter how cold it is my grids don't cycle at all when the block heater is plugged in.

 

If your concern is the power use, you can pick up a cheap timer and set it to come on a couple hours before you get up in the morning. Leaving it plugged in all night will keep it toasty uder the hood, even melt off light snow. The block heater heats the water in the block and installs through the water jacket on the passenger side. The grid heater is a built in toaster, inside your air intake right at the manifold. This is used in lew of glow plugs to help heat the air for cold starts. A better system because it also cycles until the engine gets up to operating temp and has more longevity than a glow plug. If you plug in, the grid won't even kick on, because the block will be warm. A savior for those of us that were only provided one battery tray.....

 

Thanks for all your inputs. So both are seperate sytems! As much as I use either system they should last awhile.--Thanks Again.

 

on my 92 the first block heater lasted ten years using it all the time, then finally quit. In 6 monthes, I went through seven of them, now the eighth onehas lasted every since. They cost at the time 44 dollars at cummins and came with the cord, but I used the original cord so I have a pile of cords now. Very easy to change, one allen bolt then plug itin.