thoughts on pluging in the rig

[gsxjay]

iv read on here that most people only plug them in for a few hours or so any real reason for this is there any harm in leaving her plugged in over night when my 99 stroke was still alive i plugged her in over night with no issues just looking for others incites. also i am converting my rear window from a slider to a solid window any one know if the rubber is the same from window to window . thanks ahead of time for any info fellas .

 

[homelessduck]

I believe the reason most people don't leaving it plugged in all night is that it runs your power bill up a lot.

 

[gsxjay]

ok thats a good enough reason id say

 

[FordGuy100]

What's the wattage on them? For some reason either 700 or 1200 seems familiar but I coulndt tell ya.

Depending on how much your electricity cost per Kwh A 12 hour plug in could cost upwards of $1, do that everyday of the month and that adds up!

 

[92F350CC]

I would buy a timer to have it come on a few hours before you leave.

I never really had to plug mine in that much when I had it though....
I should start plugging in my gasser(it has a block heater, but i've never used it) to see if the heater starts working sooner.

 

[gsxjay]

very true a dollar a day does add up cant believe it adds up that much

 

[johneich]

IIRC leaving it plugged in all night tends to crack the block around the heater, but only some models, early models???

 

[Midwest_Mudder]

it got close to 0 here last night. just got new batteries yesterday and didnt plug it in last night. went out this mornin at 5 and it popped right off. we'll see how it likes - degree days but i honestly dont think these IDIs really need plugged in. ive got a couple buddies with strokes and those HAVE to be plugged in other wise startin them is like pulling a mule's teeth.

 

[dakotajeep]

83-85 year model have the cracked block heater issue.

It really depends on why you are plugging it in. If its -40F it might be worth it to leave it plugged in over night. If its only 0F then an hour or two should suffice.

Thad

 

[Diesel_brad]

Block heaters are 1000Watts

There are 2 reasons for plugging them in.
1. to assist with cold weather start ups.
2. To make heat faster(so the defroster actually does something)


It is only necessary to have the truck plugged in for 3 hours. Anything more is a waste and just runs your electric bill up. I have a Timer set 3 hours before I leave in the AM

And like dakotajeep said, the earlier engines are more prone to cracking the block with extended use of the block heater

 

[snaponprofile]

Only used mine once, it popped off fast in 2 cranks. But when I don't plug it in it pops off in 3 so I don't really see the point.

 

[ocnorb]

I've also read that it can help with fuel efficiency because the motor comes up to temp quicker.

Probably not as much on these mechanical diesels as it is on the newer electronically controlled stuff. Supoosedly a hot diesel is a happy diesel.

 

[gsxjay]

thats good info thanks every one any clue on the window gasket

 

[Diesel_brad]

Gasket is the same

 

[Silver Burner]

Even 45 minutes on the block heater can make a huge difference starting our old diesels when it's below freezing outside