Engine Heater Advice

[ocdbeetle]

I bought a Kat's 600W lower radiator hose heater for my 65 F engine 40 on Dec. 9th...From NAPA

Two, maybe three times it worked...nicely...

Now it doesnt...burned out element. I checked continuity at the plug and where it connects to the element.

I called NAPA to order another except I didnt want the Kat's this time....They said they had a Balkamp 600W so I went with that. My daughter picked it up for me Saturday while I was out of town and It ended up being the same identical Kat's I bought the first time...

Fine - I'll try it again since I have it....
THE QUESTION:
If I plug it in at 9pm at night and unplug it at 7am is that too long for it to be on?

Did I burn out the last one doing that?

The next thing is, I can't find the receipt for the first heater I bought (year warranty) but since this is the identical heater I wonder if NAPA will let me use the new receipt to send back the broken heater from last month...?

 

[RockDoc]

An engine heater in South Carolina?

FWIW, most gas engines up here use freeze plug type block heaters (I think some of the diesel guys use rad. hose heaters). I plug my truck in at about -15 or -20C and run it for anywhere from an hour to 4 depending on how cold it is (down to -35C)

 

[ocdbeetle]

Yes yes...I'm well aware of how cold it is up there and not here....I lived in Eastport Maine so I know a little about it.....

The ole F engine spits and sputters when its colder than 40 so I like the idea of having it warm....Certainly can't hurt the old thing.....

If I drove it only on a sunny, warm, dry Sunday I wouldnt worry about it but I have a tendency to hop in before sun up and go.....

 

[RockDoc]

Good enough. I'm no expert on heaters, but I think you would be better off with a freeze plug type. It'll put the heat right in the engine, and you should get better circulation of coolant in the block than in the rad hose with the thermostat closed.

If it's the intake that needs the heat, maybe you could attach a small pad heater to the intake manifold, although I guess you would have to be careful not to heat it too much and boil off the fuel in the carb bowl. Maybe just run it for 10 or 20 min while you are grabbing some breakfast...

 

[bkfj40]

I'd put it on a timer...no need to run it longer than necesary
bk

 

[ocdbeetle]

Thanks to both of you...Maybe I'll try the timer and see how it goes....Otherwise I'll check the freezeplug type....

 

[JohnnyC]

I use a Zerostart Tank-Type engine heater...i have it mounted in the cab...never had an issue with it...i've had it for 10 years.

Somedays i forget and it runs all night 8-10 hrs...mostly i only run it an hr or 2 before work.

 

[Degnol]

Here is my .02.....

Tank-type heater, inlet from the block drain, outlet to the head or to the heater hose. You will have cab heat immediately, but the thermostat will not open with the heater alone. Timer set to "go" about 1-1/2 hrs before you want to use the truck. The heater is typically 1500W. Has worked for me. YMMV

Ed

 

[HvyJet]

Block Heater

Here in Anchorage it seems the block heater is a better way to go. Most everyone I have spoke to on this subject says to stay away from the type you have and the other similar ones that are plumbed inline with one of the hoses feeding the heater.
As for operation time, again here in Anchorage most folks will put it on a timer and run it for about two or three hours depending how far below zero it is. It really doesnt need to run all night, especially where you are I m guessing. As for the timer I picked mine up at Home Depot. Its a heavy duty unit not the kind you use for your living room lamps. I m not home to look at the unit and come up with a brand name for you but you should not have any problems finding it in the electrical department I m sure. As for me I also have an oil pan heater, and a battery heater. Works like a champ.
Good luck