so with winter coming in about a month i am thinking it may be a good idea to put a block heater in before it gets to cold to work on my trucks cooling system, I am located in the UP so it gets really cold up here and i have a carb on my truck, let me know what you guys are using and what you suggest
CK5
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Lets talk about Block Heaters
- Thread starter 1979jimmy350
- Start date
Disciples Performance
1/2 ton status
since im on propane i run an inline self circulating 1000watt block heater hehehe considering im in the great white north (canada) haha it works amazing!!!!! have it on a outside timer hooked to my house so it goes on at 6am and turns off at 7:30 when im out the door for work !
Ned Kelly
1/2 ton status
In block heater (the OEM factory style that replaces one of your freeze plugs with a heated element). You can even use two of them, one on each side of the block (a factory option on some vehicles). Very efficient. Here's the type I refer to:
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl119e.htm
Easy to install and long service life - years.
Very easy starting - especially if you use synthetic oil also.
A warm battery also does wonders. Look at this battery temp vs cranking amps. A battery blanket can help alot also. Or bring your battery in on really cold nights.
http://www.speedace.info/car_batteries.htm
These work ok to keep your battery warm:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductListSimple.aspx?Category=3057D
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl119e.htm
Easy to install and long service life - years.
Very easy starting - especially if you use synthetic oil also.
A warm battery also does wonders. Look at this battery temp vs cranking amps. A battery blanket can help alot also. Or bring your battery in on really cold nights.
http://www.speedace.info/car_batteries.htm
These work ok to keep your battery warm:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductListSimple.aspx?Category=3057D
A block heater will do wonders for you. The cost of the electricity to heat up your motor is much less than the gasoline you would spend letting the motor heat up by itself.
I put a block heater into my truck last winter (a GM one, ~$13 and 600W). The size is 2 5/8" using the standard SBC freeze plug. It was WELL worth the money.
I put a block heater into my truck last winter (a GM one, ~$13 and 600W). The size is 2 5/8" using the standard SBC freeze plug. It was WELL worth the money.
I am more interested in the circulating type that will get my truck nice and warm to make starting easy and so i have heat pretty quick because i do not have that far of a drive. Any details on where you got your circulating type ?
I had the circulating type when I had the 6.2L in my truck, but I didn't care much for it. Switched to the freeze plug style, and it worked much better.
I would only consider the circulating style for a propane motor like Disciples.
I would only consider the circulating style for a propane motor like Disciples.
Ned Kelly
1/2 ton status
The block heater one is less problem prone from what I've heard, and it is cheaper and easier to install (from my experience). Since you have the coolant drained, install two block heaters. If one fails, you'll have one installed and ready to go without having to drain your engine again. I think the block heaters are typically $20 or so. Two block heaters will warm your engine up toasty and quick. I'll say it again - go block heater.
Disciples Performance
1/2 ton status
i have both just in case one craps out on me one circ. and one in block
