--Will A Block Heater Do Anything For 5 Minutes?---

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by trautotuning

So in the morning (its not that cold like 70f), I can turn it on AS I DRIVE OFF so it will take the car only 1 minute to get up to temp instead of 5...??

Kind of like with a WAI, it helps as you drive.

Would the block really help it warm up or just be a waste of electricity for such a low amount of time?

#1. How long is your extension cord?

#2. Block heaters are generally low wattage and only intended to keep a warm engine warm. If it was your intention to heat up an engine with a block heater it would need to be plugged in overnight at least.

#3. If you did have a high output voltage inverter installed on the vehicle to power the block heater it still would not make a difference. When I used to run rescue I was the vehicle Lt. I had one unit that was wired up wrong at the factory and if the inverter (3,000 watt) was left on it would power the block heater while you were driving. Of course, with an inverter left on by accident the drivers did not know to put the vehicle in high idle when parking. The inverter and block heater was enough draw that when the ambulance was finally turned off it would not restart.


In other words, I would not recommend it. The amount of heat the heater would contribute is negligable. Its kinda like pushing in your cigar lighter in your car to help heat up the interior when its cold outside. Its not going to make one bit of difference.

-Jay

[Project84]

I use block heaters (heavy duty) on my fleet of propane powered Ford 429's (F700's) and they will make coolant roughly 150*F in freezing temps.

I think those are 15,000 Watt though... the kind used for light duty applications are 5,000 watt.

I would still think if you plug it in or set a timer to go on about a hour before your departure, it would be very beneficial. Many people here recommend them, and use them daily, even on warm days. I'd install one on my car if I had electric out in the parking lot, but I don't own a house, so I'm stuck as is.

I say go for it, it'll help a bit. HAI will also help get the car up to temp.