Block Heater Basics: The Ultimate Guide to Using and Maintaining Them

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Block Heater Basics: The Ultimate Guide to Using and Maintaining Them

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DONSLIFE

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 97

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

linktr.ee/donslife - Links to all of my products and discounts

@j.1294 8 ай бұрын

2:46 This control unit is unknown in Europe and I am happy for this. I warm up my engine by a block heater even above 0°C due to it's clear advantages. It is astonishing for me to see such a control unit with it's very restrictive layout.

@CunninghamFurniture 7 ай бұрын

This video answered every question I had about block heaters 😆

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

Nice!

@TysonPJ Жыл бұрын

Full synthetic I don't even think about plugging in until -30. I usually don't plug in until -35 but knowing the limitations of your battery is key.

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

It sure helps! Never do I cheap out on my oil.

@dougbourdo2589 Жыл бұрын

Even in Wisconsin, when in the tractor business for many years, we installed a LOT of block/engine heaters fir customers. I don't remember the name / brand, but we used heaters that had circulation pumps in them so the engine got thoroughly warmed. So many inexpensive/cheap heaters would only heat the coolant in a very small area as the BTUs they put out were overcome by the cold. Dipstick and magnet mount oil pan heaters frequently only slowly caused the oil they contacted to get sludgy. $0.02

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Love it. Thanks for the share!

@watchmanexpert Жыл бұрын

@@Donslife can u use the remote start while the truck is plug in ?

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

@@watchmanexpert yes. It has an automatic timer to shut off too.

@prouddk9824 Жыл бұрын

This is the first GMC I purchased that came with a block heater. Though I’m not sure I will need it in Ontario, it’s good to know the details you discussed. Thanks for this information.

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

No worries! It is why I made it

@LifeOutsideSP Жыл бұрын

Same. Didn’t even know it had a block heater 🤯

@petertensuda1192 7 ай бұрын

Trust me you will need it in Ontario.

@stevemelendez370 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video don, need to do one on diesel trucks. I know ur GMC is not diesel but would be cool for us diesel owners.

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

What would you want to see in a video?

@branchandfoundry560 7 ай бұрын

@@Donslife Specifics around diesel fuel in cold weather would be useful. Thank you!

@josipdolic6391 Жыл бұрын

You just answered question I had but was not asking…I can remotely start my truck with heater plugged in 👍🏻

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Happy you found something out. Just remember to unplug it before driving away 😂

@josipdolic6391 Жыл бұрын

@@Donslife lol will do,thanks

@ItsJust2SXTs 9 ай бұрын

never had a temp sensor in the cord and always plug the heater for 2-3 hours before going out, I use a timer for the morning. I do that when it get bellow 0C, usually the coolant is about 20C higher than the ambiant air. once started up, the coolant temp fluctuate since it's V6 not all the block is warm.

@shanescarlife Жыл бұрын

To me, a block heater is a toque. Lol. I literally haven't plugged in a vehicle for 15 years. But for those new to Canada, or northern US need this info

@trendingfactzzz Жыл бұрын

I’ll be using my block heater soon in my 3.0 diesel. Honestly didn’t know gas trucks needed the block heater

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Hard to find a gas vehicle in Western Canada without one. Thanks for watching!

@MrHelipilot Жыл бұрын

Regarding the bacon sound, will it smell like bacon as well?

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Man that would be great 🥓. Admit it, it sounds like something is cookin’

@bradclower4956 Жыл бұрын

What do you do to protect the underbody of your vehicles in such cold weather? It would make a great video!

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

I feel the frame is protected pretty well with the wax coating from the factory. But in the past I had a shop spray on an oil like coating that inhibited the ability for rust to start.

@prebans 10 ай бұрын

It may have been something called “Fluid Film.” I’m using it for the first time this year, but a lot of old hands absolutely swear by the stuff.

@AG-sx9ws 9 ай бұрын

@@prebans Noxudol is superior

@edwardcarberry1095 7 ай бұрын

My truck has a 2ftX3Ft mud flap across wise on the front bottom of the engine. As well I put a 2ftX2ft mudflap cut in half cut to the frame and engine/trans to frame rails. As well the logo for the front gets a winter front on it and when colder then -20 it gets the lower rad cover as well . At least those EV things you can get warm with them when they burn. Except don't breath in those toxic fumes.

@sudhirthakur7957 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful video. Great job.

@richardquirozquiroz2614 7 ай бұрын

We @ -22 and I just started looking into this bc I forgot I had a block heater on my Silverado.

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

You’ll be glad you have it when you need it.

@myktm1ify 7 ай бұрын

Great info thanks!!😊

@joewiddup9753 Жыл бұрын

Starting an engine with the block heater running can be problematic. The heat saturation from combustion raises the block temperature and the heat from dry hole type heaters can't get away leading to overheat and premature failure. Or the water pump can trap heat from the heater when the engine is running because heat is being added in a spot it is not designed to be causing overheat failures. This issue is found in Detroit, Caterpillar, and Deere applications where the block heater is both very powerful and in the engine oil/antifreeze intercooler. The block heater will have a warning in the manual if you have one of these. But let's be honest, I didn't actually read the manual until I cooked off 3 of them in a C13 engine.

@TheMainLead 9 ай бұрын

Starting or running and idling for extend periods

@virgilw4154 Жыл бұрын

If you have a Rav 4 after 2019, even it is a quick-release design, be cautious and better to unplug it before you drive away. I had seen so many customers forget it and break either their quick-release terminal or the penal mounted that terminal. lol

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, still unplug it and don’t rely on the quick release. The plastic may crack easily if it is extremely cold too

@wayne3442 Жыл бұрын

Good job!

@CSltz Жыл бұрын

Back in 68 my father was stationed at Clark AFB in the Philippines from Wurtsmith in Michigan. He had to go to the docks to claim the car. From it’s boat ride over. The car was parked off to the side by its self. He had to go back and try to explain why it had a electrical cord coming out of the grill. Before they would release it. Just for fun. I haven’t thought of this in a long time. Do you know what Wurtsmith means. ? Old Indian word meaning. Just how damn cold can it get?

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Great story! Thanks for sharing it 😃

@christiantheonlyone Жыл бұрын

Good tutorial !!!!

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

@daleschmitt2919 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I received enough questions, I felt a video might help some people.

@michaelpanacheese604 Жыл бұрын

My wifey drives off with the quick release still. 🤣

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

They keep us busy

@cognac8297 21 күн бұрын

My 1999 zr2 s10 has one . But what's it fir what is the end connection to engine hooked to hiw is it inside the block

@Billsfan2012 7 ай бұрын

What about a heater for the battery?

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

Also a good thing you can do

@Nafsal_Navas 7 ай бұрын

Hi, I have a question. I am not taking my car for a week. So can I connect it to the block heater. Is it Okay if I did not start the car for the week.

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

The block heater is fine to leave connected for weeks with or without the vehicle being started

@iloveukraine3424 11 ай бұрын

Hello . It's a nice video. Please tell me the power of the electric heater of the engine block of the Jeep Cherokee 2.4 engine, I bought a car from the USA to Europe, I wanted to use the heater, but we need adapters from 110 V to 220v, so I am asking about the power consumed by this heater.

@Donslife 11 ай бұрын

Depends on the brand but around 600watts most likely. It will only draw power when it is below -18°C (approximately).

@iloveukraine3424 11 ай бұрын

@@Donslife Thank you.

@CLS55-Fonz 7 ай бұрын

Anything undsr -5 can cause starting issues. My crown vic HATES starting anywhere -10 or more and will tick/knock for a few sec. Even with 5w20. Unless ur running a 0w oil block heaters should be used in anything greayer than -5 imo

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

Thank you. Lots of folks trying to argue that block heaters only benefit diesels.

@CLS55-Fonz 7 ай бұрын

@Donslife nah not at all lmao. If any of these ppl pulled their dopstick they would see the stuff is more like syrup then oil for the first few secs running

@edwardcarberry1095 7 ай бұрын

It is stupid that they have limited the block heater to work until -18C . It screws up the ECM. The heater cord should have the loom wrap (3/8") on it to reduce the wear on the cord. Best to check with an ohm meter in early Sept to see if your cord/block heater is working or to have the Re&Re guy do it and make note as to being done. Battery warmers are great, things I have had mine of an HVAC Low temp stat for a lot of years. So in Theory it won't cook the battery/s? Heating the oil with an oil pan heater is fine except when it gets into the cold engine you have the same thing again. Cold oil is better going into a warmed block. Oh and cords don't get the one which he has as it is not temp rated /jacket breaks and smaller wire size for running block heater. Mine are all rated for -40C and #12 AWG.

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

It is surprising more of the cabling isn’t provided to stay flexible in -40° temperatures. The shielding exists and is common in many industries, even down to -70°C

@edwardcarberry1095 7 ай бұрын

@@Donslife I do not think that I have seen cable temperatures rated at that -70C! Most to the -40C. Trailer wire/ DC wire to yes the -70 but that is not voltage rated.

@smokinmetalcarfun2292 Жыл бұрын

Nice 👍💯

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Thanks 💯

@merrittoconnor289 Жыл бұрын

I bought a 20 3.0. Do you have a recommendation for a good replacement cord?

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

What happened to the one it came with?

@merrittoconnor289 Жыл бұрын

@@Donslife I bought the pickup used and cannot find it anywhere

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

If you have the port near the fog light, the cord is a GM replacement part you can get from the dealer

@moonlambo5229 9 ай бұрын

I think this guy lives down the street from me. Are you in S'toon?

@kylerayk Жыл бұрын

Is there any danger of burning out the block heater element if the engine is running while it's plugged in?

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

For a gas engine it is fine. The heating element only comes on when it is cold enough. The heating element sits in the coolant its entire life too. The reason you may see some people say to always unplug before you start it is so that you don’t forget and drive away. But the reality is here in this part of the world. People stay plugged in all day at work and remote start 1-2 times throughout the day to make sure it will start when they leave work.

@stevedemarest276 Жыл бұрын

I just set the garage heater to 40 🥵🥶🥵🥶

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

I wish I had that kind of room 😂

@kimiZZZumi 7 ай бұрын

It always amaze me how dangerous the US electrical installations are compared to EU standards

@robmd3851 7 ай бұрын

And you can also thank North America for inventing it for household use. “EuROPe is BEttEr” sentiment doesn’t hold water especially considering we’re using 120v 15-30amp which is 1/2 the power of a European system.

@Kudeghraw 7 ай бұрын

Do explain in detail why you think American electrical code is more dangerous than the UK? Otherwise you just sound like another brit bitter about losing a war to a much smaller team.

@branchandfoundry560 7 ай бұрын

Specifically, how so? Always eager to learn and be educated. Thank you!

@cph3459 10 ай бұрын

The block heater you have does not heat the oil, it is a coolant heater, it warms the block only.

@Donslife 10 ай бұрын

The heating element is in the block where the coolant flows, thus heating the coolant, which in turn warms the oil near the internals. It does not heat the oil in the oil pan, I agree.

@branchandfoundry560 7 ай бұрын

@@Donslife So, we're talking about thin film of adhesion oil and what little oil settles into various valleys? Is it fair to say ~95% or more of oil has flowed down into the pan after shut down?

@Chief6067 8 ай бұрын

I’m new to the diesel rigs so please help me out……. I bought a used 2017 GMC Canyon with a 2.8 duramax, can anyone please tell me where to look for the cord for the block heater? I’m not sure if mine came with one, it might not have but I don’t know. Thank you for any help you can give me

@Donslife 8 ай бұрын

It should mention the location in the owner’s manual. Usually if equipped they are wrapped up tight somewhere by the firewall. People will run them up closer to the headlight and look at hooking up an extension cord or even splice the OEM cord and extending. If you google: 2017 gmc canyon diesel block heater location You’ll probably find some good resources too

@Chief6067 8 ай бұрын

@@Donslife thanks so much for the info. I will look in those areas for the cord. Is it possible that it didn’t come with a block heater too? Unfortunately it didn’t come with an owners manual. I wonder if there’s a site that can use the vin number to tell me if it came with a block heater?

@rcnelson Жыл бұрын

No way in hell would I buy a block heater with that "control unit" that only works at zero degrees. I start plugging in around 25-30F., with the length of time depending on how cold the temp is. Zero degrees is quite cold, and my cars start much easier and warm up much faster when plugged.

@Mfoster12 7 ай бұрын

Typically yank. If she ain’t 0 or lower it ain’t that cold

@momobobo786 7 ай бұрын

He’s in Canada. Zero degrees Celsius is very close to the 30F you mentioned.

@zFA113NNINJA 7 ай бұрын

0 degrees Celsius is 32 Fahrenheit lol

@vidablue122 7 ай бұрын

@momobobo786 at 2:48 the label says 0°F (-18°C)

@skyline3071 Жыл бұрын

Looks like you are in Saskatoon budd.😅

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

Guilty

@optimuscrime608 Жыл бұрын

Lmao you don’t need a block heater unless you have a diesel….

@Donslife Жыл бұрын

It was -58°F (-50°C) in Grande Prairie, Alberta. I was there to see family. The 5.4 Triton (gas) in the newer Ford Expedition was frozen solid. We had to use a Herman Nelson construction heater to blow hot air under the chassis before we could get any parts to move. Had we been parked near a plug in for the block heater, we could have saved ourselves a lot of trouble. Block heaters in gas engines in climates above 0°F (-18°C) don’t serve any purpose. When it gets much colder, they do. It is hard to buy a has vehicle in Central Canada without one preinstalled.

@allanlavallee7171 Жыл бұрын

If you believe that I invite you to the Canadian prairies. You’ll learn.

@optimuscrime608 Жыл бұрын

@@allanlavallee7171 It was -45 in Wisconsin this week. Been below zero for two weeks straight here. None of my vehicles have needed a block heater.

@louisgonzalez196 7 ай бұрын

Gas trucks don’t need to be plugged in they don’t need that much cranking power like the diesels do

@Donslife 7 ай бұрын

Well if you’re parked outside regularly in below 0°F (-18°C), you’ll be glad your gas vehicle is plugged in. Almost every new vehicles sold in Canada has a block heater, not just diesels. It is -31°F here right now.