Hello everyone, new to the forums...so bear with me. I was just curious if anyone out there has any info on the cons of using a block heater in the winter...I vaguely remember hearing some rumors about bad things happening when using them but do not remember the details, any help would be useful.

Thanx in advance,

RAZO

 

Hi Razo Welcome!

Check the first page on "electrical bd" block heater

Good luck...OT

 

I have had no problem with my block heater...I have found it is best to plug in the heater while the engine is warm, takes a lot less electricity to keep the block warm then to warm it from cold.

 

A Friend of mine owns several diesel rigs. He told me that You must unplug the heater before starting the engine, or You will damage the heater.

If You live in a cold climate, the block heater is a really nice option. We dont use ours much. We don't drive our F-150 much in the winter; however, it is nice getting into a cold truck and driving one mile and having heat.

 

Thanx for all the help guys, is there anyway that damage can occur to the engine, or rather....should I only use it if I need to? Or will using it not do absolutely anything harmful?

 

I see no reason a block heater could cause any damage. It's simply a heating coil that goes into a freeze plug. My F150 came from up north and has one, but I've only used it a couple times.

 

Using a block heater will prevent a lot of wear on your engine if you live in a cold climate. The only harm it will do is to your electricity bill. I think that my ford manual recommends plugging in the block heater once the temperature gets down to -20C. I know some people that like to add oil pan heaters in addition to their block heater.

 

Running the engine with the heater plugged in will not harm the engine or heater. I also have a heater on the oil pan, trans pan and battery.

 

I agree that the heater will not damage anything, reason I got one was because it sure helps reduce wear when the weather is cold by keeping the engine a nice warm temp that will reduce wear at start-up.