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teleman2

melbourne

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Posted: 05/28/12 02:53pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Has anyone had to use the block heater on a diesel. if so what was the temp.

KD4UPL

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Posted: 05/28/12 03:09pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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

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Posted: 05/28/12 03:18pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.

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WyoTraveler

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Posted: 05/28/12 03:44pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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klm

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Posted: 05/28/12 04:17pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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Jamboree89

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Posted: 05/28/12 05:23pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I use mine at freezing (32F) and below.


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pigman1

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Posted: 05/28/12 05:24pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.

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nevadanick

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Posted: 05/28/12 05:40pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

60 is cold for Ridgecrest, thats why he plugs it in below that.

lanerd

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Posted: 05/28/12 06:35pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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

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Posted: 05/28/12 06:49pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I used it once in Nova Scotia when it got down to 60F.


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