Block heater

[olefaht]

I have a L4600 that I have used very little in cold weather. Starts fine with glow plugs down to 30F. There is a block heater installed which I have never used, and in advance of wanting to start it up in 20F or less temps this week I plugged it in. I can't tell if it is actually doing anything; touching the exposed portions of the device after an hour doesn't seem to be any warmer than the surrounding metal. My question is whether the 'business end' of the heater is way inside the block and won't affect the outer portions, or should there be some noticeable temperature rise where the device is mounted?

 

[newbury]

I'd expect the block to feel moderately warm compared to ambient below freezing temps at least. Try pulling the oil dipstick before plugging in the heater, note the temp (How warm the oil feels). Then plug it in and see if the oil warms up.

 

[Chewwy]

Fingertips are not very accurate temperature measuring devices.

Most block heaters are a only few hundred Watts and are not going to provide enough temperature elevation to an engine block in frigid weather to be felt by finger tips.

Use a contact thermometer or thermal camera to actually determine if heating is occuring.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Fingertips are not very accurate temperature measuring devices.

Most block heaters are a only few hundred Watts and are not going to provide enough temperature elevation to an engine block in frigid weather to be felt by finger tips.

Use a contact thermometer or thermal camera to actually determine if heating is occuring.

Or get a killowatt meter for about $10 on Amazon and check to see it is using some wattage, and it is a good tool for other projects around the house.

 

[LHF2019]

Any block heater whether in block or external you can hear them work. And yes after being plugged in for half hour or so the block should feel warm.

 

[Chewwy]

. . .

And yes after being plugged in for half hour or so the block should feel warm.

Even if it could heat it the block to 70 deg F, which it can’t in subfreezing conditions due to ambient heat loss, it will feel cool to the touch since the human body is well over 95 deg F.