2KW Block Heater?

[divemaster5734]

Have never plugged in a block heater before. Out of curiosity I threw a appliance load meter on and got 17.2 amps.
That calculates to 2,064 watts.
Assume a 5% tolerance and it's well within a 2k element spread.
I looked around and could only find 1k units.
To be honest, even though a 2k will heat faster, if I'm going to leave it plugged in all night I'd rather go with the lower operating cost 1k, considering it would be generating that heat all night long.
2kw @ 12hrs = 24kwh, if $.15 cost per kwh, = $3.60 a day, or $109.58 per month,(avg).
A 1kw heater is exactly half that cost. (at single phase)
It's almost cold enough now to plug it in.
Neither 7.3's are daily drivers, so I'd probably only plug in the night before an actual use day.
Nonetheless, it adds up.
Wondering what you guys have done.
Thanks

 

[u2slow]

I have only run stock ones on trucks, but we use a number of larger ones at work, on the generators.

You can put them on a timer too, so it only heats for a couple hours prior to run-time.

Edit: another idea is to install a 2nd block heater. Use 1 or both as needed

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I didn't know that there was such a thing as a 2000 watt block heater. I've only seen 1000 watt and 800 watt heaters. 17.2 amps seems like an awful high draw for a block heater. You'd need a pretty good sized extension cord to run one. Another thing, is the factory heater cord heavy enough to support a 17.2 amp draw?

 

[ihc1470]

Considering most household circuits are 15 amp not sure I would want to go that route. I run a timer most of the time rather than going all night long.

 

[u2slow]

Look up Phillips & Temro or Hotstart for a catalog of engine heating equipment.

 

[divemaster5734]

I didn't know that there was such a thing as a 2000 watt block heater. I've only seen 1000 watt and 800 watt heaters. 17.2 amps seems like an awful high draw for a block heater. You'd need a pretty good sized extension cord to run one. Another thing, is the factory heater cord heavy enough to support a 17.2 amp draw?

Considering most household circuits are 15 amp not sure I would want to go that route. I run a timer most of the time rather than going all night long.

I thought that was high, it is even a little high for a 12awg extension cord(16 max), but only off a 20 amp branch circuit with a max of 50' of SOOW cable.
Usually that would be a commercial circuit, not resi, a plat spec home will only have one 15a covering the entire garage, including the GDO.
That was the first time that heater had been powered in around 17 years, I'll pull the cap off the block and ohm the element.
A 1kw element at 120v should be around 8.3A, but a 2k is 16.6A.
I'm thinking there's another issue.
Thanks everyone.
Appreciate the feedback.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I'll pull the cap off the block and ohm the element.

This doesn't sound like a factory heater to me. That sure could explain the higher ratings. I was thinking about factory style heaters.

 

[ironworker40]

Get a tank type that goes in the heater hose. They have a thermostat so will be lower operating cost overall. The stock type just stay on as long as they are plugged in. Or use a timer as previously said.

 

[Old Goat]

Yeah, the BH is 1000W, is on the Passenger side next to the Starter.
It will for sure warm the engine for quick starts from the coldest of nights. They do not heat the engine oil, just the Coolant.

Price has gone up a bit, paid $50 for the last one.

Ford 6.9 & 7.3 L IDI Diesel 1000w Engine Block Heater 83-94 F250 F350 Excursion | eBay

1000w Heavy Cast Brass Block Heater. (Fits All 6.9 & 7.3 Diesel Engines 1983-1994). This is the most powerful and durable block heater available for the Ford 6.9 and 7.3 Diesel. Fits all 1983-1994 6.9L or 7.3L Ford Diesel engines in any vehicle. Pickup Trucks, Vans, Towtrucks. any 6.9 or 7.3...

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Here is a cord if any one need`s one.
Make sure the cord is zip tied away from moving parts.

Ford 7.3 & 6.9 L Diesel Block Heater Cord 1983-1994 F350 F250 E350 E250 fits OEM | eBay

NEW OEM Quality Heat-Shielded Heavy Gauge Block Heater Cord. Fits All Ford 7.3 & 6.9 L Diesel engines 1983 - 1994 OEM Block Heaters in any vehicle (F350 F250 E350 Excursion). Works with OEM factory heater.

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Goat

 

[divemaster5734]

You can put them on a timer too, so it only heats for a couple hours prior to run-time.

Great idea, actually, I'll probably just get a W/P long range wireless receptacle, as these are special use vehicles, and may only be run once a month or less. Then all I'll have to do is remember to plug the darn this in.

This doesn't sound like a factory heater to me. That sure could explain the higher ratings. I was thinking about factory style heaters.

It doesn't make sense that they would install commercial heaters on unite rented out to people moving household goods. I haven't flushed the coolant yet, might as well replace the heater at the same time.

They do not heat the engine oil, just the Coolant.

Heh, figuring out the medium it sat in was going to be my first task of the day!
Much appreciated, along with the links.

 

[Old Goat]

I should have mentioned, you are going to loose a bunch of
coolant either installing the Block heater or the one for the
lower Radiator Hose.
There are 2 brass plugs on each side of the Engine, take a 9/16"
as I remember.
Prepare for a lot of Coolant.

Don`t need to remove both for the BH, but for a flush then
then you would.

I use one of these Concrete Mixing Pans from Home Depot,
they come in 2 sizes.

Medium Mixing Tub A-41 - The Home Depot

This Medium 10 Gal. 28 in. D x 20 in. W x 6 in. H mixing tub is made of heavy-duty resin yet flexible. With a variety of options this multi-purpose tub offers endless uses. Great for Aquatics, Concrete,

www.homedepot.com

Goat

 

[Cant Write]

I use an external timer as mentioned above. It is a Home Cheapot model with the little manual tabs you push/pull. I keep it in the engine bay and has lasted me 7 years so far. It has also seen its fair share of snow sitting on top of it and has not tripped a GFI.

30 minutes makes all the different in my VW TDI. The van likes 2 hrs.

Oh, and supposedly it builds an air bubble if you idle the vehicle with it still plugged in, so I stopped doing that........