I was just curious if their is someone out there who can explain to me how the block heater's work on the 3.0 Dodge motors (mitsubishi). Do they have a regulator where they reach a certain temperature and then shut off until it reaches the desired temperature again, or are they constantly running?. Also, what are the benefits of using the block heater?. Reason i ask this question is out of the 9 years i have been driving i have never had to use one nor have i had a house to use one on. Now that i have my own house i can use it, but, i am just wondering what the advantages are and if it is always using electricity and how much current does it use?
Thanx in advance :thatfunny
McClane
11-09-2004, 09:11 AM
No, the block heaters on the 3L do not shut off automatically. They just keep running and running. That is why you have to buy a timer to regulate when the block heater turns on/off.
As to the advantages, depending on how cold it is, less wear and tear on your engine, saves your battery, and helps the engine to warm up quicker (less wear and tear also).
I have an insulated garage, so unless the temps drop below -23C, I don't have to plug it in. When I lived at my parents, I parked in the back alley outside, and when it dipped to -17C or so I would plug my truck in. I know it would start, but I just didn't want all that wear and tear, plug you do save quite abit of gas because the engine doesn't work as hard to warm up.
MiDnIgHtRuMbLeR
11-09-2004, 02:55 PM
Does anybody know how many amps the block heater actually takes?
McClane
11-09-2004, 03:43 PM
I don't know the amps for the block heater, but I find if you buy a timer and set it 4 hours before you use your vehicle, you do save quite abit of electricity.
But IMO, unless you live in the arctic, you will probablly get about a week of cold temps before things pan out ? You won't be using that much electricity in a week if you plug it in constantly.
six pack
11-09-2004, 10:00 PM
400 amps??
As McClane said, only need to plug in 4hrs before hand.
