How cold till you use the block heater ? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim Anderson · #16 09-21-2004, 11:22 AM

Wouldn't it be better/cheaper to plug it in as soon as you get home while the engine is still warm? I'd think you would use less power just keeping the engine warm than warming it up from cold.

Does the block heater have a thermostat on it?

Wodnek · #17 09-21-2004, 12:11 PM

I don't know how compareable they are but the winter before last I left my 1990 7.3 L Ford diesel plugged in 24/7 all January. When I opened my electric bill

! Cost about $60. Now I use the 3 hr timer idea.

Wes Bender · #18 09-21-2004, 06:11 PM

My block heater ('82 300D) measures 31.5 ohms cold. If you divide 120 volts by 31.5 ohms you get current draw of about 3.8 amps. (Ignoring root mean square for alternating current to simplify the calcs.) Hence, the wattage is slightly less than 450.

Jim, the stock block heater doesn't have a built-in thermostat, although the current draw may reduce slightly as the element heats up. Best bet is to put it on a timer and program it to come on about two hours before you need to start the car. I never use mine in Green Valley, AZ (near Tucson), but do when I use the car in Alpine, AZ (8000 ft in the White Mountains) in the dead of winter.

Cheers,
Wes

braverichard · #19 10-22-2004, 10:20 PM

Where can one get one of these timers that everyone has been speaking about?

I had plugged in my block heater one night our temperature dropped to 35 F just three weeks ago. I plugged it overnight and in the morning the temperature gauge was showing the engine temperature as being 40 C (I know most people are saying it should display a temperature of 50 C; however I'm certain mine should be displaying a temperature of 50 C as my temperature gauge is screwed up). Furthermore I touched the engine's valve covers, coolant hoses and the radiator and they were all hot. I guess mine is working!

Tirebiter · #20 10-22-2004, 11:09 PM

Where I live, we always use the block heater when temps drop below 20 degrees or the snow drifts reach the door handles

rmmagow · #21 10-22-2004, 11:14 PM

I got my timer at a place called "job lot", junk and overstock place. Try harbor freight or home depot. Any decent hardware store'll have them. Be sure to get a hi watt rated unit. Or you could just run outside quick and plug it in as soon as you wake up, get you going and the car too :-)

Old300D · #22 10-23-2004, 04:44 AM

At 350-450 watts any home timer will work - they are good to switch 1200 watts. It's getting close to freezing here now, and the block heater helps my engine start instantly.

tomm9298 · #23 10-23-2004, 06:22 AM

It's still in the 45 - 55 range here @ night. So, I am still just double cycling the glow plugs. Starts right up!!!!

whunter · #24 10-23-2004, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomm9298

It's still in the 45 - 55 range here @ night. So, I am still just double cycling the glow plugs. Starts right up!!!!

If you need to double cycle in SC, your glow plugs are dead.

Good glow plugs work for me at -10F.

I run 0w50 Mobile1 in winter...

dtf · #25 10-23-2004, 11:09 AM

I plug my E300 in at about 25F. I don't have a garage so it is exposed to the elements. It takes the glow plugs about 3 seconds to warm up and the car starts instantly. Keeps the wife happy (and we all know how important that is

!

Hatterasguy · #26 10-23-2004, 07:03 PM

I counted to 10 today after my light went off and it started like it was summer! It was 39 out; when the temps drop off another 10 degrees or so I'll start pluggin her in. Because it is better for the engine, I probably could get away with a block heater.

I just replaced my old cord yesterday $32! from the dealer!