Block Heator

[edvanland]

Just got my block heater hooked up and since I have never used it how long should I plug it in before I am ready to start the beast. 8V92
Thanks
Ed

[thomasinnv]

Just got my block heater hooked up and since I have never used it how long should I plug it in before I am ready to start the beast. 8V92
Thanks
Ed

Couple hours is usually sufficient

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[chessie4905]

Outside temp can make a difference on how long to have it on, but 1 to 4 hours should be sufficient. Use over time will tell you the minimum time required. How many watts is your here rated at? Also keep plug cover on plug when not in use and use a minimum 12 ga. extension cord to connect to it. Any lighter,(14 or 16 ga.) will cause plug/ cord overheating/ deteoriation over time. You may want a reminder tag for steering wheel when attached to remember to unplug it. You don't want to start out with it attached and rip engine out of coach......

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Ed, you live in Arizona. You don't need a block heater you blockhead. 

Or were you planning to travel to Alaska in January? 

Gary

[richard5933]

I had a block heater installed this fall. A few hours has been enough so far, but I've not yet tried it below the mid 20s.

My plan is to install a weather resistant outlet in the engine bay which is connected to the 120v system in the bus. I'll be able to turn it on/off from inside the coach by flipping a switch.

If you plan to travel anywhere that the temps get cold the block heater makes starting much easier.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

You don't want to start out with it attached and rip engine out of coach......

Yeah! This happens all of the time!  We lose a lot of engines this way! :-)  Or do like n the fire department, put the plug in next to your entrance door so you notice it is plugged in when you walk into the bus and remember to unplug it. 

[Van]

Gary just put the cord on a retractable reel then no worries on unplugging, just pull away and it winds itself up.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Gary just put the cord on a retractable reel then no worries on unplugging, just pull away and it winds itself up.

Yeah, great idea Van.  Actually some fire trucks plug into the back and when you pull forward a bit, it unplugs itself.  I am not a fan of retractable cord reels myself, seems like they tend to retract only when you don't want them to.

[Van]

Well if you'd quit cutting off those pesky lil ground terminals they might hold better in the receptickle 

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

 

[chessie4905]

I'm sure he is joking, but don't consider retractable cord reels for any significant loads. All of them will degrade quickly with anything over 10 amps. Those internal contact strips are light weight brass fingers. Put a pilot light on your block heater switch inside of coach so you don't forget to turn it off.

[luvrbus]

Down to around 40F there should be no need for a block heater

[eagle19952]

Down to around 40F there should be no need for a block heater

where i come from...if the oil falls off the stick...it better start it's worn out rings and low compression where they need a heater.

[chessie4905]

One trick is to crank it for 5 to 7 seconds with fuel lever held in no fuel position. Slowly release lever while cranking. The no fuel crank adds some heat to combustion chamber to assist in starting.

[Geoff]

A pre-heated engine is a happy engine.  If you are leaving early plug in the night before.  Block heaters are supposed to shut off at 140f.