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Thread: 6.5 Engine Block heater

  1. October 12th, 2009 15:56 #1
    cdnmoose
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    6.5 Engine Block heater

    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
    1995 GMC Suburban K1500 6.5 TDL - 403,000 kms.
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  2. October 12th, 2009 16:29 #2
    HJacobson
    HJacobson is offline Super Moderator HJacobson is on a distinguished road
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    Block heater

    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.
    Harry D Jacobson, P.E.
    36 years of auto repair experience

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  3. October 12th, 2009 20:01 #3
    North Maine's Avatar
    North Maine
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    They were talking about the really new fancy duramax plugs that are super picky about turning on or not.
    2010 GMC Sierra 2500 Z71 Duramax SLT CCSB
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  4. November 2nd, 2009 19:32 #4
    simpkinsxx
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    GM block heater

    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.
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  5. November 2nd, 2009 20:43 #5
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    North Maine
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    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.
    2010 GMC Sierra 2500 Z71 Duramax SLT CCSB
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  6. November 3rd, 2009 06:31 #6
    simpkinsxx
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    Block heaters

    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
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