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cdnmoose · #1 October 12th, 2009, 16:56

Hey everyone, Is the plug in heater block thermostatically controlled? The person i bought my suburban from always kept it in a garage, But i do not have one & it has been getting below 0c the odd night here and i noticed in the morning its alittle harder starting. I haven't plugged it in yet. But i seem to remember a thread somewhere saying that it was a thermostat that wouldn't turn it on till it was below 0 outside..?

tks Richard

HJacobson · #2 October 12th, 2009, 17:29

Simple test: Plug it in a wait a few seconds. You should hear a slight hissing sound (like a tea kettle on a stove as it heats up) if you stand next to the vehicle.

No thermostat on OEM type block heaters. You may want to use a timer to save on electricity costs. Three to four hours is enough to warm the engine for a cold start.

North Maine · #3 October 12th, 2009, 21:01

They were talking about the really new fancy duramax plugs that are super picky about turning on or not.

simpkinsxx · #4 November 2nd, 2009, 20:32

This isn't exactly a reply but more of a sneaky way to ask a question. Has anyone installed a block heater in the opposite bank of cylinders on a 6.5. Did it improve starting in winter time? Regards Ray Simpkins.

North Maine · #5 November 2nd, 2009, 21:43

Many people have done that, on another site I know of a guy who has installed a 600W on one bank and a 1000W one on the other, he choses one, the other, or both depending on how cold it is. He's up in Canada, but similar temps to me. In fact, I heard of one person who installed 6 heaters I think? He'd plug his truck in for half an hour and it would be almost up to operating temp.

simpkinsxx · #6 November 3rd, 2009, 07:31

Thanks for the info. I have considered removing the existing heater then manifolding both banks together through a 2200 watt tank type heater I use on my big diesel farm tractor. 20 minutes makes it start like summer time. These heaters were originally used on big trucks. Thermostat controled to 160 deg. Problem is getting a reliable fitting into the freeze plug opening. I might be better off to go the two 1000 watt heaters. Anyone know a source for these heaters? Biggest I can find locally is 600 watt. Regards Ray