Engine Block Heater

First, assume it is properly winterized:

Fuel tank full. A recommend a BIOCIDE for storing diesel.

Coolant tested and freeze point low enough AND pH high enough (at least 7.5).

The block heater should be used for a couple of hours before STARTING-- would definitely not leave it on all the time.

Assuming it is plugged in 24/7 (i.e. battery charger in float mode where it takes little 120 VAC) yes, you can leave the charger on along with the block heater.

Hi,

You will not need to plug in the engine block heater until about 4 hours before starting the engine. Unless you plan on starting it soon, no need to plug in.

Engines will start without the block heater. Just they will warm up much more quickly, and pollute much less if warmer than colder. And it can save 1 quart of fuel that might otherwise be burned starting and warming up the engine without the block heater. Now below -10, you will need the block heater. And for something like a fire truck, where it MUST go out the door right away, they keep them plugged in 24/7 when not being driven, to keep the engine ready to run without 30 seconds of warm up.

Yes the block heater can be 750 - 1000 watts. So if you are plugging in the RV to a 120 volt receptacle in the house, you should run a separate extension cord just for the block heater if you can, to a different circuit than the RV is plugged into.

Good luck,

Fred.

EB heaters take a lot of power.. 1000w or more. Be careful.