Block heater

[Bill in Houston]

Originally Posted by jandree22

Being a n00b I wasn't aware <snip>

Well judging by your avatar, you're only about 3 months old, so I'd say you shouldn't be to hard on yourself. :-) Cute photo...

[GasSavers_BIBI]

Originally Posted by Bill in Houston

What's a block heater? ;-)

HAHA Bill I'm woundering WHY you don't know what is a block heater. If I was living in Houston, I would probably don't know either what the hell is that. You more likely to need a block colder .

[MnFocus]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Hello -

Question. For those that have block heaters, can you name your brand/model, and where you got it? That would help for people who want to get one.

Thanks!

CarloSW2

My EBH came as OEM . Northern tier Ford products come with them pre-installed or as dealer install option. It is a 'core plug' style .For newer vehicles there is the OE route ,for older vehicles try a Farm and Tractor supply (Fleet Farm , Farm & Fleet,CT Town and Country Stores etc ) NAPA ,CKS ,Advance,PepBoys O'Reily's should all be able to get them if not stocked.

[KARR]

I'm interesed to know if it's reliable to install one on my car, but I don't if they're available in my country. By the way, does this device self switches off when the propper engine temperature is reached?

[MnFocus]

Beings you have a diesel GM product , I'm betting that you can get one from a dealer . Try a UK supplier . There are many types some thermo controlled by a 'stat' & some that reach an op temp and hold it there . I have used a plug in outlet timer to switch it on/off every 2 hours - very handy when it hits -30&#176; and lower for two or three weeks straight!

[GasSavers_BIBI]

Originally Posted by KARR

I'm interesed to know if it's reliable to install one on my car, but I don't if they're available in my country. By the way, does this device self switches off when the propper engine temperature is reached?

No, the block heater wont stop when the engine is hot. By the way, I noticed you lived in Portugal, I'm wondering, do you REALLY need a block heater. Because like I said in a post before, it's not very usefull UNLESS its minus 10 degree celcius during the night. And I really doubt that its will be the case. So don't look to install one, I dont suggest you to install one of these, its really for north country.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Originally Posted by KARR

By the way, does this device self switches off when the propper engine temperature is reached?

Generally no. They are usually just a Cu AC heating element that stays on until turned off. The best bet would be to have a timer inline.

[GasSavers_BIBI]

Originally Posted by MnFocus

Beings you have a diesel GM product , I'm betting that you can get one from a dealer . Try a UK supplier . There are many types some thermo controlled by a 'stat' & some that reach an op temp and hold it there . I have used a plug in outlet timer to switch it on/off every 2 hours - very handy when it hits -30? and lower for two or three weeks straight!

Or you can also use a timer to set it up 2 hours before you leave.

[MnFocus]

Key thought is "realllllly cold" weather -otherwise Yes!-2 hours before hand .
I've found when it's that cold - a warm battery does much better at spinning the starter than a warm block . A BatteryTenderJr. gets the nod now.

[KARR]

Originally Posted by BIBI

No, the block heater wont stop when the engine is hot. By the way, I noticed you lived in Portugal, I'm wondering, do you REALLY need a block heater. Because like I said in a post before, it's not very usefull UNLESS its minus 10 degree celcius during the night. And I really doubt that its will be the case. So don't look to install one, I dont suggest you to install one of these, its really for north country.

OK! Definetely, the temperatures in Portugal never reach such extreme low values, except in some days during Winter. Thank you.