This is the first year my ram has had to sit outside in the cold winter since I got it new. I don't recall if it had a factory engine heater when I purchased it. If it did, where would I find it? If it doesn't what would you recommend? With an expected low of 7 degrees tonight, it's time I plug it in for some added insurance.

 

Gas engines don't need engine block heaters unless your in 20below weather all the time. 7degrees is nothing

 

Doesn't an engine heater make it easier to start and take less gas and time to warm up?

 

if it was a diesel

 

I guess my experience is a little different. When I left my Daytona sit outside, I found the block heater to be a real plus. I didn't have to warm it up, just startit, idle for a few secnds to get the oil circulating, and go. A real advantage was the defrosters worked right away, no waiting, no wasted gas with it sitting 5-10 minutes warming up. The downside was that over several years I had 2 of these things fail...they clamping bolt broke and the heater blew out of the block, with the obviously dumping of anti freeze all over everything. (yep, it could have been poor installation, but I followed the directions carefully). So while I highly recommend them, it really pays to get a high quality unit. My Dakota had came with a dealer installed one that didn't fail in the 10 years I drove it.....much as I really hate to recommend the stealership for anything.
Edited in: Forget to mention, I doubt you have it, but if you do there should be a plug hanging around in the front of your grill somewhere.

 

wapakfred: where are you from, it must get pretty dam cold for you to buy gas vehicles from stealership with block heater.

 

if you have a engine heater use it.
you find the conector behind your grill, infront off your radiator on the passanger side..

The water in your engine will be a little warmer and that is only nice. your car will use less time and energy to reach normal temerature, and your cab become warmer in less time.
As far as I know there is no reason not to use the block warmer!

 

I'm in NW Ohio (Wapakoneta) and whether it gets cold here is, I guess, relative. Yes if you're in Florida, no if you're in the UP of MI. But when my vehicle sits outside, and I have to leave for work at 5:30 in the morning, it's a hell of a lot easier to just jump in and go.....besides the saving gas part. But, it's only my opinion. Also consider, the factory unit on my Dakota (bought new in '92) was only a $30 option.

 

There's that pain in the *** reason of plugging it in every single time you leave and get home!...lol

My silverado had a block heater. In the 3-1/2yrs I owned it, I never once used it. i live in upstate NY

 

I did forget to mention earlier...you really do need to remember to unplug it before you leave, don't ask how I know this!