Benefits of block heater even if engine start without one

[3930dave]

:2cents:
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but if would seem if you're relying on compression to create the temperature required for auto-ignition of diesel, then having a cold block (heat sink) robs the mixture of heat and would delay starting. But I guess the discussion is more about: So what if it does?

Certain GP controllers will leave the plugs on for extended time (proportional to how low Engine Temp is) after the Wait light goes out."Wait" over, the fuel will ignite, but the plugs continue to dump some extra heat into the cylinders, to help smooth out a cold start.

One of those Pay No Attention to the Man behind the Curtain deals..... for the most part.

Esp. on those engines, block heater use will mean less cycle time on the glow plugs.

Rgds, D.

 

[BarnieTrk]

Certain GP controllers will leave the plugs on for extended time (proportional to how low Engine Temp is) after the Wait light goes out."Wait" over, the fuel will ignite, but the plugs continue to dump some extra heat into the cylinders, to help smooth out a cold start.

One of those Pay No Attention to the Man behind the Curtain deals..... for the most part.

Esp. on those engines, block heater use will mean less cycle time on the glow plugs.

Rgds, D.

Yep, less cycle time on the glow plugs is a good thing..... and, to CobyRupert's comment regarding delayed starting time.... let us consider again what we learned from the Cylinder Wear vs. Heat graph back on Post #27.... all points to, "To Get Warmer Quicker is BETTER!"

BarnieTrk :thumbsup:

 

[Stanley75]

Don't see too much benefit on a tractor. Best help would be a heater on the hydraulic system.

The Washington Post had an article recently that said warming an engine more than 30 seconds is exceedingly wasteful. I agree. I start them up and gently use them until they're warmed up, pretty much using them normally until "normal" on that day was running something at full or PTO throttle.

A good 5w30 or 0w30 diesel oil would do better for it in cold weather starts than warming it up. Actually, unless you live way south, the xxw30 is all you need. If you run for long periods of time in 85 F + temperatures at high loads, then maybe you need xxw40.

Ralph

The benefit of a block heater is less raw fuel to wash the cylinders. This would really be enhanced with thinner oil. If your diesel is sputtering on start up in cold weather you are getting un burned fuel in the cylinders. A block heater is a good thing not a bad thing. Lighter oil is only needed for start up. Once the engine is warmed lighter oil is not beneficial for anything. A block heater is only beneficial on start up and having thicker oil is beneficial after warm up.