Engine block warmer?

[gungfudan]

Can you use an engine block warmer while the vehicle is on or off?

 

[adsm08]

You mean a block heater that goes in place of one of the freeze plugs? They are generally for use when the engine is off but since they plug into your house and are not connected tot he vehicle wiring at all they will still work when the engine is running.

 

[Tominator]

With today's modern lubricants a battery warmer is better.....

 

[Mark_88]

I don't know why you would need a block heater where you are...unless the temps get to around freezing the block heater shouldn't do much for you...I plug mine in when the temps get close to freezing or below and it starts pretty much first crank...still runs a bit rough until the engine is thoroughly warm...but without the heater it would be more wear and tear on the starter...

Are you having difficulty starting? Do the temps drop that much where you are?

I also tried a battery warmer but it didn't do what I needed...kept the battery warm and the charge was up better than without it, but I still drained the battery a few times trying to start until I installed the block heater (part number available if you need it)...

Mine cost around $50 and took about an hour to install...goes in the lower rad hose...which I made out of another hose to keep my lower one intact...

 

[1994_4x4]

I'm a big fan of block heaters, I used mine on my Cummins diesel for years until the truck got stolen. Then I used the block heater for a few more years on a Dakota, until the cord itself got stolen, along with rims and tires. I'd install a block heater on my ranger now, but the engine warms up fast. I used my engine block heater anytime I knew I wanted heat on the next start up. I felt like there was a drastic difference in fuel savings too. You could run the heater with the engine on, but it won't do you any good. Block heaters work slow to warm an engine.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have had one in every car/truck I have ever owned. Nice to have heat ad soon as you start the vehicle. My 3.0 even had a factory block heater.

-PlumCrazy

 

[Mark_88]

I know it's been answered, but I often start my truck with the block heater still plugged in...and run it till it warms up...only problem with that is you have to remember to get out and unplug it before you drive away...so I usually just unplug mine before I start it if it's been cooking for over an hour...

The last place I lived in the landlady was concerned about the hydro bill being affected by the block heater...I found a calculation on line that said if plugged in for only 2 hours a day the total for a year would be less than $15 more...but that was at 10 cents a kwh...