whats the deal with plugging these diesels in? i know you hafta do it when its cold out and it makes for easier starting. but do you unplug it before/after u start it? do u start it and let it warm up and unplug it right before u start driving? how long do u leave it plugged in for? how long should you let it warm up for after you unplug it? that kinda thing. anything else you think i might need to know feel free to fill me in

thanks

 

Plug it in when you get home, unplug it when you get up and fire the truck up.

 

you can also get an outdoor timer for it so it kicks the heater on for an hour or so before you plan to leave. that way it's not on all night.

 

Yup,

Heavy duty timer (15-20 amp) $15 at Menards, 25-50 ft HD cord (12/2) $20-25 and set it for 2 hours before I leave. Last night temp got to 16 and no pigtail on dash.

Un plug it, start er up, and let it run for maybe 5 min and go!

Its not going to warm up as fast as your gasser though. As a matter of fact letting it sit for 20 min + wont make it anymore warm than letting it sit for 5 min. In fact its not a good idea to let them sit and idle like that (when there cold) for long periods.

Now do you have to plug it it? No but its a good idea.

It will still start plugged in or not here in the coldest midwest winters (jan / Feb) but if you have ever started it in -20 after it wasnt plugged in youll always remember the sound the motor makes. Kinda kreepy. It doesnt seem to like it.

Make sure the fuel is treated and shell start.

 

question... why do you have to un-plug before you start it? it's not tied into your wiring harness & 12V at all is it?

 

I don't know that you have to unplug before you start, but I do. I don't like the idea of having 110V live to my block when I fire it up.

 

Unplugging before you start is a good habit for those of us who are likely to fire it up and drive off not remembering it's still plugged in...

 

cool thanks guys...i really appreciate all the help

 

I think the idea of unplugging it before it starts is so that you don't forget it when you pull out. It is completely seperate from the trucks electrical system.

An even better heater is a dipstik heater. Very effective, and gets oil circulating faster.

I have an old one that I pull out if it's going to be extreme. I have used both heaters together, along with a 3 amp battery conditioner, all at the same time. A 15 amp circuit does the job just fine.


I keep my baby pulgged in at home AND @ work. She's spoiled that way....lol.


Adios............

 

I was kinda confused about that. I'll plug it in at home and things will be fine, but when I leave work it'll be just as cold then as it was when I left in the morning except at work I can't plug it in. So the question always plagued me, plug it in, or don't bother ?