For all the block heater users

yukon cornelius · December 26, 2015, 10:30:24 AM

I found something I really like. I needed a thermostat for the well house and remembered seeing one that plugs in inline for heat lamps and such. I started thinking about how well that would work for the block heater on my truck. I like to plug it in but I don't drive it often. This would keep it from having power on it all the time. It comes on at 34 I think and I forget the off temp and it rated for 15 amps. I got it from the hardware store. It is working well so far.

Chuck White · December 26, 2015, 01:06:10 PM

Sounds like it might be a worthy test.

Sounds feasable.

Wouldn't hurt to try it.

sawguy21 · December 26, 2015, 05:44:09 PM

I used to put the block heater on a timer, I could set it to come on in 6,9, or 12 hours. I turned it on at 10, it kicked in at 4 am so the engine was warmed when I left for work at 7. It sure cut the power bill, those things draw a lot of power.

Brucer · December 26, 2015, 07:53:06 PM

I combined both ideas when I had a diesel pickup. Way back when, I found an extension cord that had a built-in thermostat, specifically designed to be used with block heaters. I also put an industrial timer in my garage and set it to come on 3 hours before I would normally leave for work. It worked great.

timberlinetree · December 27, 2015, 08:02:03 AM

Nice! On of the nicest things is a plugged in piece of equipment on freezing days.

Ox · December 27, 2015, 10:36:43 AM

I salvaged a "Grey Box" electric water heater timer and rigged it up in the shop to come on a few hours before I had to leave for work. Used it on my old 86 Ford crew cab dually diesel. Same principle, different means. Worked well, saved money.