How many Watts/Amps does the factory block heater draw???

[Mudbug63]

Title says it all....

I was thinking about finding a high load timer to kick the heater on about 3 hours before I leave for work. Anyone else do this?

[robertm]

I do, it works great! Heater is heating alot quicker.

[NoRalPh]

I'm not 100% sure but IIRC it's close to the 1500w your "lowest" outlet will supply.

In any event, I'm sure a 1500w timer will do the job. (most outlets should be 20A but 15A's are common enough that they have to plan for them)

[Mudbug63]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

I'm not 100% sure but IIRC it's close to the 1500w

Drat that's what I was afraid of. The timer I have is rated at 10 amp/1200 watts.... Off to Home Depot I guess.

[robertm]

I'm using a Home Depot timer, pluged into a 15amp GFCI outlet on a 50 ft. extention cord. Has never poped the breaker, heats fine. I have a '96 7.3.

[choctaw]

IIRC, it's 1000 watts.....

[ryandamo]

they sell one at radioshack thats waterproof for like 17 bucks i think and ive been using it for a while now

[NCHornet]

This has been posted several times this year already, it draws 1000 watts and about 9 amps. Just go to Lowes and get their programmable outdoor timer, it's about $20 but I can set times for weekends only, weekdays, etc.... I would also do the Marinco mod if you are plugging in alot. Look in the 7.3 mod section for my write up.

NCH

[macano]

Originally Posted by robertm

I do, it works great! Heater is heating alot quicker.

You say it heats quicker? How's that? As opposed to just plugging it in all night?

I suppose the savings is in not having the draw all night long in your electrical bill.

[Highbeam]

I use mine anytime outside temps drop below freezing overnight, if I don't want a heated block the next day then I don't plug in but the extension cord turns on and off regardless. I use a regular timer that turns on the power 3 hours before I leave in the morning for work. The heater draws 1000 watts. This morning it was 25 outside and the block is warmed it isn't hot. The heater begins making heat much faster than had I not plugged in but it isn't instantly hot like I had hoped.

Truck starts up quick and idles smooth. Much quieter and smoother than had I not plugged in.