teleman2
melbourne
New Member
Joined: 12/20/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
 Offline
|
Has anyone had to use the block heater on a diesel. if so what was the temp.
|
KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
Senior Member
Joined: 03/16/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
I owned my Chevy Duramax 3 years before I realized it had a block heater. It always started. Even in single digit temps. Most new diesels don't really need them unless you live in the northern US or Canada. It never hurts to use one though.
|
lanerd
Newport, OR
Senior Member
Joined: 03/03/2003
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Temp of what? The block? Ambient temps? The heater?
I use my block heater whenever the outside temps get down below 60 or so. I realize I really don't need it at those temps, but the engine turns over much more freely and starts much faster if I do. Diesels like to be warm for starting.
Ron
Ron & Sandie
'08 Safari Simba SBD35 CAT C7
Toad: 2011 GMC Terrain SLT2
Tow Bar: Sterling AT
Toad Brakes: Unified U.S. Gear
TPMS: Pressure Pro
Member of: GS, FMCA, Safari Intl, CAT
RETIRED!! How sweet it is....
|
WyoTraveler
Northwest, Wyoming
Senior Member
Joined: 11/22/2011
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
You really start needing a block heater as you approach zero degrees. When we get 20 to 30 below zero I use the block heater even on my gas engine.
Using a block heater in summer temps of 60 degrees seems like a waste of electricity, but I suppose it would start easier.
2013 Monaco Monarch motorhome
2012 Jeep Wrangler toad
AC6CV/7 ex-W8RUR since 1954
|
klm
SIOUX FALLS, SD
Senior Member
Joined: 05/26/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
I use my block heater when the outside temps get to freezing or below. It starts easier, but also the dash heater warms up much quicker to take the chill off the interior. coach comfort and creature comfort. Remember to turn off the block heater before starting engine.
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
2012 HONDA FIT "PUMPKINMOBILE"
GILLIGAN- 1ST MATE CAT - 3 HR TOUR
|
|
|
Jamboree89
Pennsylvania
Senior Member
Joined: 05/08/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I use mine at freezing (32F) and below.
1998 Monaco Dynasty
Scion Xb
2 Labs
|
pigman1
Delaware
Senior Member
Joined: 06/28/2004
View Profile
 Online
|
Sure, 17 degrees and blowing 25-35. We used 20lb of propane between 4PM and 4AM. Cummins ISL started fine. I use the heater whenever we look at temps around freezing. A good reliable system.
John
Pigman & Piglady
2013 Tiffin Allegro Bus 43' QGP
2011 Chevy Silverado 1500
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Street Atlas USA Plus
|
nevadanick
Elko, Nevada
Senior Member
Joined: 11/25/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
60 is cold for Ridgecrest, thats why he plugs it in below that.
|
lanerd
Newport, OR
Senior Member
Joined: 03/03/2003
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
It's damn near freezing!  Kidding aside, I have found that my CAT starts much easier if it is warmed first in temps below 60. It's not a big deal, I only warm it for an hour or so before we start it, but it definitely makes the engine spin faster and starts quicker. That's gotta be good for not only the engine but the starter and batteries as well.
We spend our summers on the Oregon Coast where normal daytime is typically in the 50's.
Ron
|
w4phj
Vero Beach, FL
Senior Member
Joined: 09/13/2001
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
I used it once in Nova Scotia when it got down to 60F.
2005 Bounder 37U Cat C7 Engine
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
2002 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 4X4
ARRL Extra Class Volunteer Examiner
FAA A&P License
1969 Plymouth Road Runner
|
|
|
