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shum02

Burlington ON CDA

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Joined: 04/22/2005

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Posted: 04/21/22 08:21am

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JRscooby wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:

I’m unfamiliar with block heaters. How much power do they draw, JR?

I don't know for sure. I had mine hooked to a timer, only on for couple hours in morning. Often the cord, (25 ft, 12 gauge) would melt ice/snow around it.

Mine draws about 800 watts. Been using it 15 years without issue but why would you even bother to turn it on if it's not even below freezing?

2006 F350 Lariat FX4 CC 4x4 PSD
2007 KZ2505QSS-F Outdoorsman

2 many 2

USA

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Posted: 04/21/22 11:13am

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MFL wrote:

Good reply Uncle Bob! Bob is a [emoticon]

dude, and gave good info on cord size!

I see so many folks that are using way too light of cord, and way too long for the load carried. Not just for block heaters, as we've all noticed the guy running a 100' 16g cord to his RV, while trying to run AC and other. [emoticon]

Jerry

You are right, Bob is a cool dude [emoticon]

My neighbor rented an RV and the first thing he did was run a small orange cord 100' out of his garage and turn on the A/C [emoticon]

Later he came over and asked me why the adapter melted [emoticon]

ktmrfs

Portland, Oregon

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Posted: 04/21/22 12:56pm

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shum02 wrote:

JRscooby wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:

I’m unfamiliar with block heaters. How much power do they draw, JR?

I don't know for sure. I had mine hooked to a timer, only on for couple hours in morning. Often the cord, (25 ft, 12 gauge) would melt ice/snow around it.

Mine draws about 800 watts. Been using it 15 years without issue but why would you even bother to turn it on if it's not even below freezing?

block heater draw varies. I'd say it can be as low as 750W or so and I know they can be as high as 1500W. GM diesel block heaters are in the 1200-1500W range IIRC. Starting sometime after 2004 they also added a thermostat so the block heater will only come on below a certain temp and then cycle on and off.

I suspect way to many people use to small a cord and to long a cord which could lead to problems

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2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
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2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

JRscooby

Indepmo

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Posted: 04/21/22 02:57pm

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shum02 wrote:

JRscooby wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:

I’m unfamiliar with block heaters. How much power do they draw, JR?

I don't know for sure. I had mine hooked to a timer, only on for couple hours in morning. Often the cord, (25 ft, 12 gauge) would melt ice/snow around it.

Mine draws about 800 watts. Been using it 15 years without issue but why would you even bother to turn it on if it's not even below freezing?

The 1 I used most was in a 1693 Cat. Winter time, I only worked it part time. If forecast was below 20* I would plug it in before went home so the timer would kick it on, have it warmed up to start about 5:30. Still would sound like the pistons where swapping holes for about 30 seconds. Then let off clutch, spin main box for few minutes. When things smoothed out some more, slip main in high, aux in neutral, let that oil warm up so she would shift when I pulled out.

wa8yxm

Davison Michigan (East of Flint)

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Posted: 04/21/22 03:46pm

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YOU SAID IT MFL.

for a 100' 15 amp run 12ga is suggested (or heavier)
For a shorter 20 amp run 12 ga

Many extension cords are 14ga Even the "Industrial" looking outdoor cords are 14 or even 16 GA.. and "ZIP Cord" types (like a lamp cord) 18GA. pulling 12.5 amps through one of those is asking for it (FIRE)

Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

NamMedevac 70

Reno

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Posted: 04/21/22 04:03pm

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Thanks everyone for your appreciation in my posting a news story about a safety issue to help others and keep them safe. No good deed goes unpunished. Trying to be helpful to others brings only

Some like to shoot the messenger if the story is not popular to them and for the uneducated Reno is high desert country of 4500ft where night time temperatures get down well below freezing not only in winter but also early spring so therefore some Reno diesel owners felt need for block heaters to you knuckle heads.

In the photo in the news story the truck appeared to be a GM diesel and they are on recent safety recall for block heater fire hazard. Too bad SAT.

I have no need for or desire to own a diesel but I do thank all of you for being generous taxpayers for supporting my fishing, hiking and camping etc. Life is very good indeed for this 75 year old. No serious health issues to interfere with the good times. I could care less about CAN

* This post was last edited 04/21/22 06:39pm by NamMedevac 70 * View edit history

Grit dog

Black Diamond, WA

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Posted: 04/21/22 04:15pm

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This thread took a turn for the weirder…

2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
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Wade44

Ohio Farm Country

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Posted: 04/21/22 07:39pm

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NamMedevac 70 wrote:

Wade44 wrote:

You have to have a higher IQ than the heater.

Thank you Ohio I am very proud of my high IQ as a retired Financial and Tax account, SEC CFP, FAA and British highly rated advanced license Airline Transport IFR pilot and Instrument Flight Instructor pilot on many types of Army and Civilian twin engine helicopters, etc. with many years flying overseas in SE Asia and ME after Vietnam Army volunteer Medevac pilot duties saving lives under fire in 1970.

In 1980 saved over 1000 Vietnamese boat people in South China Sea flying as volunteer solo helicopter pilot for the UN. Later received the UN Humanitarian Certificate. Refugees sent to Germany and not your so . Anything else df? IFSSFY.

https://www.facebook.com/498thDustoffUnarmedandAlone/

https://www.facebook.com/CaptBillPerkinsUNRescuePilot/?pnref=lhc.recent

https://www.facebook.com/CaptBillPerkinsUNRescuePilot/photos/2796202967156571

Thanks for your service, not sure what set you off though as my post was not directed at you.

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kwplot34

home

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Posted: 04/22/22 12:36am

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It's not the block heater itself that is faulty it is the male plug on the cord, it will short out and cause some arcing. Happened on my 03 duramax and I just simply replaced the male end, no more issues. Purchased a new duramax in 2017 and shortly after the recall came out, same thing the male end of the cord, I have not had any issues with it yet. Have a 2020 F550 with the same heater and cord, so far no issues from it either.