What to expect from block heater

[kilobravo3]

Last night I plugged my truck in for the first time (I live in N. FL so it really isn't necessary). It was about 30 last night, and I used a timer box to have the heater come on about 2.5 hours before I left for work. What should I expect for my temperatures on the truck to look like? I assumed that my temp gauge would rise very quickly. When I started the truck, the tranny temp gauge was slightly above C (although that doesn't mean much), and the engine temp gauge was pegged at the bottom. I let it idle for a few minutes and the gauges didn't move. It was 2 or 3 miles down the road before I got any gauge movement. Is this normal, or should the heater be doing more for me?

[SMKSTAX]

Usually 3 to 4 hours is the minimum you should have the heater plugged in to see any effects. Then you'll notice the temp gauge will be a little bit higher than usual when starting and the truck will warm up pretty quick. You will have heat in the cab quicker also.

[POWERED SPARKLESS]

That sounds normal. Keep in mind you just warming the block ect... not heating. I will still take a few miles/idle time to make heat. I only have mine plugged in for about 2 hours.

[FastFocus]

i was curious about this also, as i just installed the cord but didn't notice a difference in the temp gauge rising, so i thought at first it wasn't working. However, i did notice that it starts a lot better. if you don't plug the truck in when you start it in 30 or below degree weather it will make a lot of noise, after its been plugged in all night it starts smoother and doesn't sound like the engine is coming apart anymore.

[HeavyAssault]

The sound difference between a true cold start and plugged in start is a world of difference. Since you are only heating the coolant in the block when plugged in, once the motor is started the water pump is moving the colder coolant. You will not see the temps rise too quickly if the outside temps are down low enough. Best thing is to give it maybe 5 mins after the first start before driving.

[Clay Henry]

this morning it was 50 degrees, BH plugged in on timer to come on 1.5 hours before i leave. My commander guage reads water temp and when i turned the key on, it said water temp was 120* I thought it was going to be colder than 50 otherwise i would not have had it plugged in but thats beside the point.
You should notice it starts easier....alot easier and if you have it plugged in 4 hours, you'll llikely see the temp needle rise just a little when you key on.

[kilobravo3]

Thanks for all the responses. It will be another week or so before it gets to 30 (gotta love Florida!). I'll give it a little more time on the timer and see what happens. I did notice that it started better this morning, although I don't seem to ever have trouble with it starting up.

[tom robison]

i used mine yesterday morning for the first time, my gauge read 22* and only after an hour of being plugged in it was at 78*

[Dan"gerous"]

Do all the 6.0's have the elements in place with just a cord needed or do I need the whole kit and kaboodle? It's been in the 20's here in Michigan and when I start her up you swear she's gonna blow apart.............Needless to say she runs like crap too. Especially when she shifts into overdrive, the truck shutters............

[dinnut]

most i have seen comes with a plug in the front bumper. a male plug tucked in by the front license plate/fog lights