Block heater as preventive measure in extreme cold

[neoneddy]

We've got some -20 temps coming.

So I was reading older forum posts about the 6v92 and 8v92 in the extreme cold. Some folks said it's a good idea to keep the block warm to prevent the various metal parts and seals separating and potentially getting coolant leaks into the air box .

Is this just an old wife's take?

[chessie4905]

If you are going to experience temps that low, I'd use a block heater intermittently. Can't hurt. Just in case coolant freeze protection is marginal.

[richard5933]

What would intermittent use do? Our anti-freeze is supposed to protect things down to far colder than we're expected over the next few weeks here in Wisconsin. My concern would be twofold. First, wouldn't intermittent use of a block heater only create more contraction/expansion cycles than just leaving things alone? Seems like the contraction/expansion cycles are what would cause damage more than just being cold. Second, wouldn't having warm engine parts encourage more condensation on those parts?

Unless one is going to leave the block heater on constantly, the block temps will certainly drop back down quite quickly once it's turned off.

I am not an expert on these things, so I pose this more as question than statement. 

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Great topic.  There will be an interesting article by JC Alacoque in our March issue of Bus Conversion Magazine about steps to take when camping or traveling in the cold weather.  He travels from BC Canada to AZ every year in his MC-5 and he also drives passenger buses in both Canada and the US in the winter and has a lot of experience with buses in cold weather. Anyone not taking the necessary precautions is asking for trouble.

You can put a plow on your bus like this guy, but JC says it is not really necessary. 

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

If you decide to run chains on your bus, you can't beat these Canadian skidder chains.  You will be passing other buses up those snowy hills with these chains on. 

[Geoff]

Have you tested your antifreeze to see if it will work at -20?  If it is good I wouldn't worry about the cold hurting your engine.  If it is not strong enough, I would drain a couple of gallons,
add pure antifreeze, preheat your engine, and run it for awhile to get it to mix together.

We've got some -20 temps coming.

So I was reading older forum posts about the 6v92 and 8v92 in the extreme cold. Some folks said it's a good idea to keep the block warm to prevent the various metal parts and seals separating and potentially getting coolant leaks into the air box .

Is this just an old wife's take?

[neoneddy]

I'm not worried about the anti-freeze not being strong enough.

This is about the metal components shrinking and potentially causing problems. 

[chessie4905]

I wouldn't worry then, only if you plan on using it. Doesn't hurt them sitting as long as coolant is sufficient. I would think about anything in the coach that might not handle it well.

[luvrbus]

If it is a 6v92 I would keep it warm JMO

[buswarrior]

I'd find something else to worry about?

If catastrophic internal disaster is brought on by simply being cold, that engine is on the verge anyway... nice to find out now, that out on the road somewhere.

Cold weather is also good for finding the clamps that need a quarter turn on them. Look for the drips and snug 'em up.

Anti-freeze strength is mission critical, both for freeze protection, and boil over protection. Keep it strong 365 days a year.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[dtcerrato]

Ditto on antifreeze protection being mission critical, not just for the engine but everything else that flows coolant (plumbing, heater cores, defroster cores, etc.) Never hurts to have electric block heat in severe cold  in starting if need be. Just my 2 cents... In our case running 40 wt it won't start in real cold without block heat.

[lvmci]

Hi All, besides the extreme cold, I warm up the block heater, when I'm in an RV park before starting. Reduces startup smoke, I followed Clifford's and Gary Bennett's advice on this, lvmci...

[chessie4905]

With that and onboard air compressor,just start up and go.

[Scott & Heather]

I know I'm a youngin, but can I chime in here? We've fulltimed in both a 6v92 and now currently an 8v92 in extreme cold. Down to -28°F. I just made sure the coolant was strong enough to handle it and never used a block heater while parked for the winter. No issues in either bus. If you're sure your coolant is ok, don't fret. Many people in Alaska see temps like this all the time and not all of them leave their block heaters on all night.

[Beluga Bus]

If you decide to run chains on your bus, you can't beat these Canadian skidder chains.  You will be passing other buses up those snowy hills with these chains on. 

Gary, looking forward to your article on installing these chains on a bus!
Matt