block heater question

[Kevin D Pem]

Yah! You all have heard that thing about!
I had to replace my _______ because I used it to much when it was new!

Don't over think this! Outlets have heat treated terminals so they will hold their shape. Used to much they do wear. Heating elements have a life or useful life.

I find the idea a standard item (block heater) would be replaced by a long corded item, or that it would be hard wired. Anyone servicing such an ill installed device would have a lot to say about the factory that did the job!!!

 

[Neal]

Let's try to debunk opinions and see if we can figure out the right answer(s). My google search - click here

20F according to this article

Per this article:

Newer models of vehicles can start at temperatures as low as -22°F. One official rule of thumb is to plug in your block heater if the temperature drops to 5°F. But to be safer and to ensure a better running engine, it is better to plug it in when the temperatures are below 15 degrees.

As for the length of time to use an engine block heater, anywhere between two to four hours is the recommended time. Again, this would also depend on how low the temperature is. Plugging it in for more than four hours is just going to be a waste of electricity, but it will not harm your vehicle. You could use an electrical plug timer that will activate the block heater plug at certain times. This saves you time and money.

 

[Rd1]

Neal; "So in my opinion, the block heater is for people camping in the northern US, CA, and Alaska, i.e. temps below 20 or near or below 0 F. I do not agree with the 40F suggestion, it is not necessary IMHO. I think for most of us it is not necessary and adds no benefit other than significantly higher electrical loads and wasted electricity"

Spot on.

One, if you have been driving for some hours and then park over nite, even if below 30, there is no need for a block heater. the engine core temp remains warm enough for the next am startup. just give it a few mins for the engine/trans temps to stablize and a slow start off camp area to hwy speed, is just fine.

I've driven in 18F wyoming snow bleezards and parked in rest area overnite for 5-6 hrs, without block heater. next day a 5 min warmup while I get ready and a slow moving (40-45mph) for 10-15min for everything to warmup before hitting cruise speed.

If you are parked long term and temps are 30 or even below, 3-4 hrs is enough to get heat for startup. if 20s or lower, then overnite 7-8hrs of block heater.