Timer for my engine block heater

[Chuckster in NJ]

I guess everyone I know has remote start and never worries about plugging in a vehicle.

TRUE!
However "IF" you live in a sub zero freezing area a block heater will make your engine happier by turning over a warmed up block.…… Oil will flow easier, engine cranks faster and wear will be reduced.

BTW! Don’t forget about keeping the battery warm.

 

[Rc_Guy]

TRUE!
However "IF" you live in a sub zero freezing area a block heater will make your engine happier by turning over a warmed up block.…… Oil will flow easier, engine cranks faster and wear will be reduced.

BTW! Don’t forget about keeping the battery warm.

Like I said on an earlier post, I live in Minnesota, it gets cold here occasionally, I never see anyone using them.

 

[CJDave]

I guess everyone I know has remote start and never worries about plugging in a vehicle.

And believe me, my 2025 Expedition Platinum Max Ultimate HAS the remote start feature. Idling to warm-up is terrible for the oil, engine and exhaust system. Having the engine warm enough to start is not my goal. Fast heat to defrost and warm the cabin is. CJDave.

 

[sz0k30]

Is there a timer that can be set to come on just one day a week (same day each week) at the same time for 3 or 4 hours? We are retired and my wife and I go out for breakfast each Tuesday morning. So I only want the block heater to activate on one morning a week. Thanks. CJDa

It's not so much the temp as the frost and snow. My Expedition sits high enough that I have issues scraping even with a long handled scraper. CJDave.

Wouldn't it be better to just have a remote start installed if tour vehicle doesn't have one?

 

[CJDave]

Read Post #44 just above your post. CJDave.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you want a predictable schedule and no phone control, I like one of these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Intermatic-15-Amp-7-Day-Outdoor-Digital-Plug-In-Timer-Black-HB880RD89/205878344?g_store=&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl&pla=&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D27L-027_031_HOM_MOB_ELEC-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-NEW24_PRIOCONTROL_PMAXTEST&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D27L-027_031_HOM_MOB_ELEC-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-NEW24_PRIOCONTROL_PMAXTEST-22114481425--&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22114520104

If you like phone control, I like these:

https://www.bestbuy.com/product/tp-link-tapo-smart-wi-fi-outdoor-dual-plug-control-schedule-holiday-decorations-outdoor-lights-black/J39QK2QPT4/sku/6559368?extStoreId=&ref=212&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23322172982

Intermatic is the gold standard when it comes to timers. They've also been making analog timers forever, if you don't want to deal with digital stuff.

 

[CJDave]

Intermatic is the gold standard when it comes to timers. They've also been making analog timers forever, if you don't want to deal with digital stuff.

Thanks. I have used some of their timers in the past. CJDave.

 

[Wrench97]

Back in the early 90's I used what was Intermatic's electronic controllers to run a series of 4 contactors to work block heaters on trucks.
They allowed me to adjust by time, temp, and day of the week. 24 2000 watt heaters can **** up some current.
They worked but the life span was short seems like 2 years was all I got while the old mechanical timers ran for ever.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just for argument sake, in other countries such as Sweden, they use little 1500w 120v heaters placed in the passenger floor to heat the cab(while parked). I never understood it, give me a block heater any day!

 

[niget2002]

Like I said on an earlier post, I live in Minnesota, it gets cold here occasionally, I never see anyone using them.

I live in north Texas. I use a block heater when it's in the 20s. Does the truck need it? No. Does it warm up the interior faster even with remote start? Yes.

 

[nadogail]

When I lived in Alaska, engine block heaters were very common.
I have seen oil burning heaters used on heavy construction equipment.

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

I use one like this without the day skip function. it is older than I am and works well. Granted new production will be different.

timer at menards

 

[Sumboodie]

Like I said on an earlier post, I live in Minnesota, it gets cold here occasionally, I never see anyone using them.

We have plug ins at stores here.

 

[nadogail]

Is there a timer that can be set to come on just one day a week (same day each week) at the same time for 3 or 4 hours? We are retired and my wife and I go out for breakfast each Tuesday morning. So I only want the block heater to activate on one morning a week. Thanks. CJDave.

An Irrigation timer Will allow you to select the day or days of the week and the time and duration of the time. Irrigation timers can control the relay that will open and close the circuit that feeds the timer.
For example you can pick Tuesday at 0630 to energize the relay coil for an adjustable time.
I have had excellent results from using Irritrol brand timers. Automation Direct has been a very reliable source of Relays and enclosures.
Irritrol Sprinkler timers can be found at Landscape Supply Houses

 

[AntonLargiader]

Just for argument sake, in other countries such as Sweden, they use little 1500w 120v heaters placed in the passenger floor to heat the cab(while parked). I never understood it, give me a block heater any day!

I totally get it. If the engine itself isn't the issue, then warm the cabin. That heats all of the glass, so no scraping.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I totally get it. If the engine itself isn't the issue, then warm the cabin. That heats all of the glass, so no scraping.

I'll take a warm block over a warm cabin any day. The cabin will be warm in very short order.

 

[fitter30]

Synthetic oil recommended weight in owners manual. -5° engine always cranked with no problems.

 

[Snapped-off]

I've used an analog BN-Link timer for the last few years for my block heaters. The digital one should work for what you want.

I've got it set to run 3 hours before I leave. I plug it in when it's below 50.

At work I just plug it in and leave it the whole day.

I don’t know many if any people that plug in a vehicle in Minnesota other than some trucking companies.

How cold does it get in Ohio?

Gotten down to around -20 in Indiana. Should be pretty close to what Ohio sees.

I don't know anyone that plugs in either, but I do my own thing.

 

[JOE.G]

I have the ones Steve linked to and they work great. I use them for tractors trucks and water out at the barn for the horses. Easy to program, with many options I recommend them.

 

[Firebrick43]

1 degree this morning and forgot to plug in my ISL9 last night. Just started it and boy did she sound angry but she fired a few mins ago!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I will plug in if I have the option. I have started my car at -37°C without plugged in, and I was really surprised it did. For s+g, I opened a bottle of 5w30 oil and tried to pour it. It was like very thick honey. Its so, so much better for your engine to be pre heated.