Starting w/ Block heater Plugged in?

[combatgrunt]

I start mine with it in before I walk outside usually a minute or 2. I also have mine on a timer for the heater got a cheap programmable one works like a charm

 

[GTyankee]

I often wondered if Chrysler is using Block Heaters from KAT'S

Heaters by Kat's

Engine Block Heaters, Magnetic Heaters, Pad Heaters and more. All our heaters are Made in The USA. Call us for any help: 1-877-606-8088

katsblockheater.com

Kat's

 

[DodgeDude99]

The block heater has nothing to do with anything else in the truck. The only danger starting it with it plugged in is the chance you will forget to unplug it and drive off...

.

Guilty! My 2nd gen, had it plugged in at work, left and was driving down the road wondering why the hood was bouncing (my plug was under the hood)

 

[Big3MG]

The RAM block heater doesn’t contact the coolant (at least the newer models). It warms up the block itself.

 

[crash68]

The RAM block heater doesn’t contact the coolant (at least the newer models). It warms up the block itself.

The gas engine block heaters don't touch the coolant but the diesel engines do

 

[howie12]

Some years ago I read a footnote warning in a blockheater manufacturer's catalog. OF course I don't recall the name of the outfit but the warning basically said it was recommended not to start the engine with the block heater plugged in because in certain cases the water flow can cause sufficient turbulence around the block heater element and result in a hot spot and shorten the life of the element.

IT makes good technical/theoretical sense to me. It seems less likely to be a problem at idle when coolant flow rates are low and turbulence is less than compared to roaring the engine upon starting like some people do. Personally I unplug mine.

Now I am also guessing/surmising on issue here. It seems likely that all replacement units are not exactly the same size and shape element as the original and that could be the root cause. Narrow water passages on some engines may make them more susceptible to the issue too. ANyhow, given the lack of a problem by many people that regularly use their block heaters in the winter and regularly start their engines with them still plugged in it seems safe to say it shouldn't be an issue with the original heater in the hemi. Not sure how many Pentastar users there are so it may not be fair to conclude the same for it.

All the best,,

And the above was written before I saw the note that the block heater on the gas engines doesn't go into the water jacket on the gas engines. Is that the Hemi and the Pentastar? Never heard of such a thing from the factory, but I guess it saves a place for a water jacket leak.

 

[Tom McClellan]

Wait a minute, Florida and Louisiana are using block heaters??? What do you do when it gets cold?

 

[DrTron]

Wait a minute, Florida and Louisiana are using block heaters??? What do you do when it gets cold?

Mississippi isn't. At least I ordered my truck without one.

 

[Dean2]

Any time it drops below freezing, I use the block heater if I have to park outside for some reason. Just that much easier on the vehicle. I have never for a second worried about whether the block heater was unplugged. That had nothing to do with why yours failed. Most common failure is the cord or plug, check it for continuity before going to the trouble of replacing the block heater itself..

 

[DerickE]

Wait a minute, Florida and Louisiana are using block heaters??? What do you do when it gets cold?

Remember, cold to them is like 55. God help you if youre in california and it drops to 50.