block heater.
12-07-2011, 07:48 PM
#11
ETTYOCEO ®
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by isthatahemi
Actually, a block heater noticably helps mileage in cold weather. Trucks burn roughly double the fuel during the first 2 minutes in when started from stone cold vs pre-heated. Not sure how much of a difference this makes above -10C
It's just a resistive heating element, nothing more. The sounds you hear are thermal expansion, and convective movememt of coolant.
12-07-2011, 10:15 PM
#13
Senior Member
Yes. Unless it is really cold, there's not much to be gained. The BH allows the vehicle to get up to operating temperature more quickly than it might otherwise.
12-07-2011, 10:21 PM
#14
ETTYOCEO ®
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Jaws1
Yes. Unless it is really cold, there's not much to be gained. The BH allows the vehicle to get up to operating temperature more quickly than it might otherwise.
I got three boys to drop off at two different schools. By the time we can get them dressed and into the truck I am going to be late for work.
Not having to wait for the truck to warm up saves a lot of time.
12-07-2011, 10:42 PM
#15
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I have block heaters on both our vehicles. Came that way from factory as an option, I believe. Our vehicles are garaged so I only use them when we get real cold nights below zero Fahrenheit. I'm sure they would start without but cheap insurance. I had a '98 Ranger that had a block heater + a heated "blanket" that went around the battery.
12-07-2011, 11:01 PM
#16
Senior Member
Also means your heater and heated seats get warmer more quickly. Just saying..
I got three boys to drop off at two different schools. By the time we can get them dressed and into the truck I am going to be late for work.
Not having to wait for the truck to warm up saves a lot of time.
I got three boys to drop off at two different schools. By the time we can get them dressed and into the truck I am going to be late for work.
Not having to wait for the truck to warm up saves a lot of time.
12-07-2011, 11:04 PM
#17
Senior Member
For those that do decide to use a BH, do yourselves a favour and use a timer. There's nothing to be gained from leaving the truck plugged in all the time. 2-3 h, depending on temperature, is all that is required before you drive the truck.
12-07-2011, 11:06 PM
#18
ETTYOCEO ®
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Jaws1
OK, I'll bite, but how does using a block heater in any way allow the heated seats to warm up more quickly?
12-07-2011, 11:08 PM
#19
Senior Member
12-07-2011, 11:09 PM
#20
ETTYOCEO ®
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Jaws1
The seats are hot within a minute or two, well before there is any heat coming through the vents.