Engine block heater.

[jsmith180601]

How hard are they to install and are they worth investing my time and money into it. ?

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[Sparkyy]

I have read that unless you are in extremely cold climates (Canada), then you should be fine without it.

It's been down to 3 degrees for me and truck still turned over with no problems, just let it run for a few minutes to bring my idle down to normal and drove easy until the temp was normal.

Edit: Saw they do have 2001 block heaters, couldn't find a manual for it but seems that it there is a hole in the driver side block where you would plug in the block heater. I found one for a 5.7L but it was 2002-2008. You might have to drain the coolant to plug a 2001 block heater in.

 

[RonJon '06]

Only time my 5.7L wouldn't start was when it sat outside in -10°F all day at work.

The hole where the heater plug goes in is on the rear driver's side of the block and is a PITA to get to. When I pulled my motor it was the only thing I left attached since it looked easier to remove after the block was out.

 

[WhiteExpress]

You don't need one. If it's constantly cold, it certainly won't hurt anything other than your electric bill.

I am tempted to get one for my '13, no I don't need it, but I have a relatively short commute (under 10 minutes) and the poor thing doesn't get up to opperating temp most of the time.

 

[Alex]

It's nice to have in really cold weather so the motor turns a little easier when starting, and warms up faster. But unless it's unbelievably cold, I don't think it's actually necessary on a gas motor. We had a couple days in the -50*C range last winter in Manitoba, and while the truck certainly wasn't happy about starting without being plugged in, it did start just fine

 

[charonblk07]

It all depends on where you live. Most modern gas engines will turn over in low temps but there is a lot more wear on the internals when that happens since the oil is much thicker and doesn't flow as well. It also takes a lot longer to warm up. So if you're in a cold climate then they are very handy since you can typically have the engine up to running temps in 5-10 min of idling. As for the electrical requirement, a block heater timer works well at saving your energy bill and turns the block heater on about 30 min before you generally fire it up.

Now, my engine isn't happy below freezing, I have to keep it warmed up anytime I want it to fire from cold, so it stays plugged in constantly.

 

[SyrenSkywolf]

-23 here this morning. Truck wasn't the happiest, but it started up. I have a block heater, but I don't use it. It starts fine as long as it is above -15. The temp this morning was a surprise. Normally it is 15-25 (above 0) in the mornings here.

I found they are better to have on older vehicles, mainly 90's and older. My poor '95 Corsica years back didn't want to start in -15. Finally got it started, and clunked and clunked slowly for about 5 minutes before finally warming up enough. Haven't had that issue with the Ram.

 

[WalterG]

I have one on my truck. It does make starting easier when it gets really cold. I don't usually plug it in though unless its going to be below 25* or so. The main reason I did it is because the supercharger that I have recommended it in the install instructions for locations where you get below 20* due to tight tolerances in the unit. There have been a few times that I forgot to plug it in and it still started fine, just let it warm a bit before driving and all is good.

As I recall it goes in the rear passenger side freeze plug hole, pretty easy to get to. There is a plug on the side of the block that will allow you to drain the coolant, then pull the freeze plug and install the block heater.

 

[man n black]

I have the factory setup on my Cummins...The truck often sits for days unused in cold weather...Makes a huge difference during startup...

Ch

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[smykowski]

diesels-should have em, gassers-not so much. pretty much what everyone else said

 

[03MopaRamman]

Both Vehicles (2012 Jeep GC and 2003 Ram) where plugged in all weekend as it was -40 with windchill this Am and it helps alot.......Truck also has a battery blanket.
I could tell some long winded stories about No Oil Pressure, Oil change lasting only 3 weeks etc, Power steering pumps, Brake calipers, exploding brake shoes but it comes with the climate I live in. General rule is if its gonna drop to -20 C or lower they get plugged in. At work my employer provides outdoor plugs and extension cords for every person or POMV.

So unless you get -4 F Temps or colder I would not Bother! Danny

Edit: If You do it is easy to Install. Mind you I have a 5.7, but its a dry fit assy that goes into the Block just behind the starter and has one Bolt. The cord is then Plugged into it and is then tied and directed towards the front drivers side of the vehicle and to where ever is convenient. Mine is tied into an outdoor cold weather flexable plug thats tie wrapped to my front Tow Hook Assy. Cost up here is about 55-90$ from the dealer and replacement cords run about $25.

All or Most (Some Mitsubuishi's argue about -50 Start-Up) Vehicles sold new in the Canadian Market come standard with a Block-Heater.

 

[man n black]

Yeah...my Landy gasser could use one from time to time even as its the garage queen

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