What kind oftemp should I expect at engine startup with a block heater in zero degree temps with heater on for 2+ hours?

 

I would think that is would be under 100 degrees in that short of time as you are heating up 7 gallons of coolant and about 800 lbs of cast iron.

 

Can anyone recomend a preheat time then?

 

What year truck do you have? filling out your sig file so it shows up when you post. Do you have a winter front on your truck? Also what do you want when you un-plug your truck instant heat or?

 

Year 2004 2500 series. Looking for enough heat to defrost the windows if needed and aid in starting.

 

3hrs due just great for mine 03 3500

 

I think the only way you're going to have heat is if you put that cover on. Otherwise you can leave it plugged in for 20 hours and it's not going to get any warmer than it will if you only left it plugged in for 2.

 

At zero if you just want to aid starting at zero 3-4 hours is all the time you should need. Now based on my truck with 5w40 oil, temps down below zero and it setting for up to 3 days before being plugged in.

I can get by with just 2 hrs plug in time if I just want to aid start up. Also I have a temp guage in my vent so I can see what temps come out of it and after being plugged in 2 hrs when above zero, backing it out of garage, close the garage door and then drive for 4 block I can get 60-70 degree heat, but then I also have a winter front.

 

2 hours or 20...... The wait to start light will go off as quickly as it does in warmer weather. When the vehicle starts up, the needle will drop as soon as the coolant starts to circulate thru the bypass hose.


I have left mine on for 2 solid days in zero degree weather. Doesn't really make the truck warm up that much quicker.

The trick to heat is a unfolded pizza box in front of just the radiator itself. Between the rad and the intercooler.




Good luck with your ride