20 deg in ATL this morning. Started like a champ.
 

Don't even have the wiring for the block heater. It misfired a few times but so much better than it was in the past.

12 in TN and no heater.Fired 1st time.

It was 5˚ here this morning and it took about 12 seconds of cranking for the CD to get going.:(

Plus the doors were frozen shut. I had to lightly hip check the doors to break them free and then pull hard. I was praying that the door seals wouldn't rip, they're not cheap on the CD.

Max wouldn't start this morning. I have a block heater but have never used it. Are you supposed to leave it plugged in all night or do you just plug it in in the morning?

I did double glow and have the purple wife pulled.

The biggest difference in cold starting for me was increased fuel.

19 in Lawrenceville this AM and my 300SD cranked right up after a 30 second glow.
I did have my typical squirrel in the cluster squeal until the cabin warmed up enough for the speedo gear lube to thin out though.

Not pulling the purple wife can cause rough starts for sure.:D:D

I did the double glow but don't have afterglow. I do reset the glow cycle before attempting to start though. That way my plugs will still glow while cranking.

I glow until the relay clicks off, then reset and glow until it clicks off a second time, then reset and start after the light goes out. About 70 seconds all together.

Currently it's 3.9 degrees here in Indianapolis. Last night it was 1. something. The wind chill is FAR below zero.

Yes my 300SD has been plugged in. It sits on the street so it gets the grunt of the wind chill. It started right up with no problem yesterday and today. Yesterday I plugged it in about 2 hours before departure. Today it was plugged in all night. I just turn it on till the glow light goes out, hold the pedal to the floor and crank. I have started it without being plugged in down to about 12 degrees.

They funny part is... it's SOOO cold out that while driving around last night the temp never came off 40 degrees C. I have since added some cardboard to the radiator and now it get's back up to the normal 80. The heat isn't nearly as hot at 40. I made several stop's last night, each one about 30-45 mins, and when I came out to the car the temp was all the way back to zero. The wind and cold air cooled the engine down very very quickly.

I wish I had 2 keys so I could just leave it running. :cool:

Duplicate keys are $12 each at the dealer. You can just give them your VIN to have it made.:cool:

Thanks I just called World Wide Motors here in Indianapolis. They charge $16 but it take at least 24hrs. I go to Detroit in the morning till Saturday. Guess it will wait till next week. Might be a good time to get my mileage badges too, I think I am due like 3 of them.

Thanks

Lots of threads on this, but to summerize:
-You can leave it on all night, it just sucks up extra electricity. 500 watts * 12 hours = 6000 watt hours --> 6 KWH. 15 cents a KWH * 6 KWH = 90 cents a night.
-2-3 hours is usually enough.

-Jim

Using a timer for the Block heater is the way to go. Make sure it will pull the Amps and any extension cord you use will do it too. I think it is 30Amps you need IIRC. A heavy duty timer set for three hours is about perfect. Make sure you drape the Extension cord over the mirror and in your way so you don't forget to unplug before you crank and drive off.

Although I normally do not bother unless I need to get an early start in below 20F degree weather. Anything above 20F I will cycle the glow plugs two or three times before cranking. This works for both my Diesel vehicles.

500 watts / 120 Vac = 4.2 amps.

Just about every timer out there is rated for 10-15 amps. Plenty for the job.

-Jim

Its more like 3.5-4 amps! 30 amps is 3,600 watts, that's like 7-8 halogen shop lamps. :eek: Most outdoor cords have plenty of capacity for a block heater....they're generally 14 gauge and support 1600ish watts.