Block heater time vs. temp?

[Newblue]

I have a TC45DA with a freeze plug block heater. How long should I leave the heater plugged in at different temps? It doesn't look like there is a thermostat on the heater itself. Thanks to every one for all the helpfull info on this site.

 

[thclimer]

In the past I’ve wondered this myself. Here has been my experience with a TC33D:

30-20 degrees – I plug my block heater in for ½ hour.
Below 20 degrees - I plug the block heater in for 1 hour.

I’d be curious to hear what others do.

 

[hazmat]

I don't have time to wait to clear snow in the morning before work, so If white stuff is forcast, I plug it in before bed. Engine temp guage actually reads "warm" in the morning. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> If white stuff is forcast, I plug it in before bed. Engine temp guage actually reads "warm" in the morning. </font>
I do the same thing. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[thcri]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It doesn't look like there is a thermostat on the heater itself. )</font>


You may not see a thermostat but I would be surprised if it didn't have some way of shutting down. Every one that I have seen on the shelf stats automatic shutdown. Some of them are done by resistance.

So having it run too long would not be a problem. But typically if you have it on for more than two hours you will cover all temperatures.


murph

 

[db2]

Yah.....I agree two hours will cover every temp. I usually plug it in for 1/2 to 1 hour but if its -30 to -40 I'll let it go for an hour and a half to two hours. Most block heaters are either 750 or 1500 watts. You can also feel the engine block with your hand to get an idea how well your heater is doing it's job.

 

[MikeD74T]

I plug my Duramax into a switched outlet (actually a screw in on a garage outside light). I turn it on when I get up, 30-45 minutes before I leave. Gives me immediate defrost. Heated seat does the rest !!! Have found 20 minutes adequate for my Case 580 'cause I still have to wait for the hydraulics to warm after starting.

 

[Thorndike]

I've had quite a few deisels, all with block heaters. I've left them plugged in for a day at a time with no problems. Everything from a deisel Rabbit, 7.3 Stroker, TC35DA, 580 Case, 450 Case, and a couple bigger trucks. On another note, on all the trucks and the Rabbit, the temp gauge hardly read anything after being plugged in overnight unless the temp was above freezing. Still had to drive either one for a few miles before I got any real heat.

Just leave it plugged in all night if you want, won't hurt anything. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RickB]

I have never seen an immersion style (frostplug) heater that had a t'stat. They simply don't make enough heat to cause problems. External tank style heaters; some do, some don't.

 

[LRH]

Some block heaters do have an overtemp switch built into the cord; a small metal disc that makes contact with the outer face of the heater when plugged in. Don't know why some do and some don't.

 

[Newblue]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I won't have to worry plugging in the block heater over night now. A cord reel that hangs over the tractor in the barn might be a good Christmas present from Mrs. Newblue!

 

[djradz]

For something in the range of $10-15 you can purchase an outdoor grade timer, capable of 15 amps. I used one on my 1 hp pool pump motor for over 10 years. Very nice yet very simple.

 

[tractorpilot]

I almost hate to muddy the water on this topic, because living in Wis I will probably end up with a heater. But from the aircooled engine world of airplanes, the concern with extended operation of a heater that only heats the crankcase, moisture is driven out of the oil in the crankcase and condenses in the unheated cylinders - potential for corrosion. For the plane, I run the heater for an hour, for the tractor, I will probably do the same, with a timer.

 

[MikeD74T]

Above I commented on my use of block heaters. At my work we have 2 Cummins 6 cyl diesel fire pumps. Each has a continuous block heater that maintains 120 F, in spite of being in a heated building. We have a minimum start temp of 100 F for non-emergency starts. With a 20 year maintenance history it is documented that cold starts increased engine wear. But, keep in mind these engines start at full load and go immediately to 1800 rpm.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">of a heater that only heats the crankcase </font>
The standard NH block heater does not heat the crankcase, it heats the coolant.

 

[JSUnlimited]

I have a TC24DA w/dealer installed block heater,

Below freezing, I plug it and walk away. Always ready to go whenever I need it.

 

[djradz]

I would think you are contributing to the breakdown of the coolant prematurely and possibly other heat-related deterioration by having it always plugged in. ... maybe I'm wrong? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif